Computer implemented method and system for simulating strategic planning and operations using operations control language

• US 6,002,863 A
• Filed: 03/24/1998
• Issued: 12/14/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Water Resources Management, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Water Resources Management, Inc.
• Inventors: Randall, Dean James, Sheer, Daniel P., Pulokas, Anthony Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Teska, Kevin J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Fiul, Dan
• Application Number:
  US09/047,116
• Time in Patent Office: 630 Days
• Field of Search: 273/278, 705/7, 705/8, 395/500.43, 395/500.34, 395/500.38, 395/500.42, 395/701
• US Class Current: 703/22
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass

Abstract

A computer implemented method and system for simulating strategic planning and operations uses an operations control language (OCL) which has the characteristics of: (a) a target expression, (b) a condition expression, (c) an integer hierarchical priority level, (d) at least one penalty expression, and (e) a value expression. The OCL is a high level programming language for describing operating policies for simulation models, such as those used in water resources management. The OCL of the invention is written into a simple text file. The OCL has syntax, keywords and Boolean and arithmetic operators.

Claims

1. A computer implemented method for simulating strategic planning and operations using a language comprising:

(a) a first expression, which states an operating goal or objective;

(b) a second expression, which states the circumstances under which at least one of the following are associated with said goal or objective stated in said first expression;

i. an integer hierarchical priority level;

ii. at least one penalty expression;

iii. a value expression; and

said method comprising the steps of;

using said language to establish an input that describes operating policies, rules and guidelines;

using said input to identify operating targets;

building an optimization formulation, a solution of which identifies said operations for achieving said operating targets, and;

implementing said operations according to said optimization formulation to drive a simulation or to inform operators of a recommended course of action in real time.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said language is an operations control language.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said first expression is a target expression.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said second expression is a condition expression.

5. A computer implemented system for simulating strategic planning and operations in a particular system using a language comprising:

(a) a first expression, which states an operating goal or objective;

(b) a second expression, which states the circumstances under which one or more of the following are associated with said goal or objective articulated in said first expression;

i. a integer hierarchical priority level;

ii. at least one penalty expression;

iii. a value expression; and

said system comprising;

an input device for receiving input established by use of said language, said input comprised of operating policies, operating rules, and guidelines of said system;

a common database for storing said input;

at least one simulation model connected to said common database;

a system controller including an embedded optimization routine to control the operations of said simulation model; and

an output device for displaying results of simulation, said output device having an input.

6. A computer implemented system as recited in claim 5, wherein said language is an operations control language.

7. A computer implemented system as recited in claim 5, wherein said first expression is a target expression.

8. A computer implemented system as recited in claim 5, wherein said second expression is a condition expression.