Patent ID: 7337017

Claim:
An automation system for controlling a technical system in the presence of an unpredictable situation that can arise in connection with the operation of the technical system, the automation system comprising: at least one sensor coupled to the technical system for sensing at least one signal generated during operation of the technical system; a programmable controller, the programmable controller programmed with a predetermined deterministic behavior of the technical system, the controller being configured to generate based on the predetermined deterministic behavior of the technical system at least one first result value in response to at least one signal sensed by said at least one sensor, wherein the first result value is indicative of a predictable situation in connection with the operation of the technical system; control means comprising an affective controller for generating at least one state value, the control means comprising an attribute profile comprising one or more emotions attributed to the affective controller, the attribute profile configured to process said at least one state value to generate a second result value influenced by the emotions attributed to the affective controller, the control means further comprising a situation evaluation means configured to determine said at least one state value in response to at least one signal sensed by said at least one sensor, wherein the at least one state value determined by the situation evaluation means is indicative of an unpredictable situation in connection with the operation of the technical system; combining means for combining the first result value with the second result value to generate a control signal for regulating the technical system, wherein the control signal is influenced by the emotions imparted by the attribute profile to act when the unpredictable situation occurs in connection with the operation of the technical system; and a control interface for connecting the control signal to the technical system, said interface being part of a feedback loop for regulating the technical system in the presence of the unpredictable situation arising in connection with the operation of the technical system.