Patent ID: 7203575
Filing Date: 2007-04-10
Classification: B63J,G05B,G06Q

Abstract:
1. A control system for a distribution network having a set of distribution endpoints including at least one producer and consumer interconnected by a set of distribution resources including: a plurality of distribution lines joining the producers and consumers and switchable gates interconnecting the distribution lines, producers, and consumers, the control system comprising: a set of autonomous control units associated with at least some of the distribution endpoints; a set of autonomous control units associated with at least some of the distribution resources; and the autonomous control units executing a stored program and communicating with each other to: (a) implement a set of money rules to allocate money resources to the consumers and a set of pricing rules for distribution resources; (b) bid for distribution resources on behalf of consumers based on the money rules and pricing rules; and (c) select distribution paths between producer and consumer endpoints using distribution resources based on bid responses.