Foundations for Functional Modeling of Technical Artefacts

This monograph provides a new framework for modelling goals and functions of control systems. It demonstrates how to use means-end concepts and various aspects of action to describe the relations between the structure, dispositions, functions, and goals of technical systems and with human action.

The author developed this approach as part of his research on Multilevel Flow Modelling (MFM). He based the framework on concepts of action and means-end analysis drawing on existing theories from several areas of study, including philosophical logic, semiotics, and phenomenological approaches to social science. Here, he applies it to three modeling situations related to the interaction of technical artefacts and humans. One involves the relation between designer and artefact, another the relation between technical artefact and its user, and the third the relation between a natural object and its user. All three are relevant for modelling complex automated processes interacting with human operators.

The book also discusses challenges when applying the foundations for modelling of technical artefacts. Overall, it provides a cross disciplinary integration of several fields of knowledge. These disciplines include intelligent process control, human machine interaction, and process and automation design. As a result, researchers and graduate students in computer science, engineering, and philosophy of technology will find it a valuable resource.

Morten Lind is Professor Emeritus at Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering, DTU with more than 35 years of experience in the application of artificial intelligence and cognitive science research in automation and control of industrial processes. Prof. Lind has also a general interest in the foundations of engineering science. His main research contribution is the development of Multilevel Flow Modeling (MFM) which is a method for modeling goals and functions of complex automated processes within energy and chemical production. MFM has applications for knowledge based decision support in process and automation design, fault management, supervisory control and human machine interaction. Prof. Lind participated in several EU research programs within advanced information technology, in Nordic nuclear power research programs within automation and safety and in national funded basic research centers on Semiotics and Human Machine Interaction. He participated in the EcoGrid.dk project initiated by the Danish transmission system operator Energinet.dk. Prof. Lind had long term cooperation with the IFE Halden Reactor Project and has initiated research cooperation with Eldor Technology now: Kairos Technology, Norway and Danish Hydrocarbon Research and Technology Centre (DHRTC) now: Danish Offshore Technology Centre on MFM applications for decision support in the operation of oil and gas platforms in the North Sea.