Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and techniques are presented for maintaining cupolets in a state of mutual stabilization. A first cupolet and a second cupolet are generated. A first control code is applied to the first cupolet for a first time to produce a first visitation code. The first visitation code is transformed based on an exchange function to produce a second control code. The second control code is applied to the second cupolet to produce a second visitation code. The second visitation code is transformed based on the exchange function to produce the first control code. The first control code is applied to the first cupolet for a second time.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes monitoring, by a control loop including a processor and a memory, a first environment. The control loop includes one or more predetermined control loop parameters. The method also includes receiving, by the control loop and in response to monitoring the first environment, first data from the first environment and receiving, by the control loop, information from an adaptation control loop. The method also includes determining, by the control loop, to automatically adjust at least one of the one or more predetermined control loop parameters based at least in part on the information received from the adaptation control loop and automatically adjusting, by the control loop, the one or more predetermined control loop parameters. The method further includes determining, by the control loop, to initiate an action based on the first data collected from the first environment and the one or more adjusted control loop parameters.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a real-time prevention and emergency management system and respective method of operation. The system comprises a Central Processing Unit (1), a plurality of Local Units (2), a plurality of Local Entities (3) and a plurality of Agent Entities (4), which are connected together by means of a communication network (5). The architecture of the system implements a stratified hierarchical scheme, where the elements are organized in 3-layers, being the Central Processing Unit (1) the core-knowledge and processing element. The Local Units (2), belong to a second layer, and are responsible for generating processed-data from event's raw data collected by the Agent Entities (4) and Local Entities (3), representing a third layer, that are assign to each Local Unit. The Agent Entities (4) can be of a singular or collective type, and are organized according to a hierarchical scheme.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and techniques are presented for maintaining cupolets in a state of mutual stabilization. A first cupolet and a second cupolet are generated. A first control code is applied to the first cupolet for a first time to produce a first visitation code. The first visitation code is transformed based on an exchange function to produce a second control code. The second control code is applied to the second cupolet to produce a second visitation code. The second visitation code is transformed based on the exchange function to produce the first control code. The first control code is applied to the first cupolet for a second time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow cytometer system and method to apply a gain to data measurements to improve the display of the data measurements. The method for applying a gain to data detected in a flow cytometer, involves obtaining measurements from a detector in a flow cytometer, applying a gain to the measurements to produce shifted measurements to allow for improved display of the shifted measurements while maintaining the relationship between data points of the shifted measurements and displaying the shifted measurements on a display.

Abstract: Method of reducing performance variability of membrane scaling devices. Scaling device performance uncertainty is reduced, thereby reducing the scaling safety factor, by specifying a narrow range or subset of the set of all qualified manufactured membranes for installation into scaling devices. In certain embodiments, the scalability factor is reduced by determining where within the performance distribution a particular membrane lies, and adjusting the scaling factor accordingly.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing an adaptive process control loop includes measuring process control loop signal data, generating a plurality of process control loop parameters from the process loop signal data and evaluating a condition of the adaptive process control loop from one or more of the plurality of process control loop parameters. The process control loop data is generated as a result of a normal operation of one or more process control devices within the adaptive process control loop when the adaptive process control loop is connected on-line within a process control environment. A self-diagnostic process control loop includes a diagnostic tool adapted to receive a diagnostic index pertaining to a process control loop parameter for a plurality of components of the process control loop and for the complete process control loop. Each diagnostic index is generated from signal data by a corresponding index computation tool.

Abstract: Vascular conditions are detected non-invasively in the human body using a collection of information from small local regions of the vasculature. An array of accelerometers or other sensors are attached to the head or other points of interest of a patient and blood flow sounds are recorded. Vibration signatures of vessel structures such as branches, aneurysms, stenosis, etc. using random, periodic, band limited or transient analysis provides a library for further processing. The signature library is used to localize the origin of the recognized vascular feature, and the localized feature is presented to the physician in a clinically relevant manner.

Abstract: A method converts a plurality of functional blocks into linear blocks such that the nonlinear blocks are divided into a plurality of states through switched linearization. The plurality of states generated by said switched linearization is then transitioned selectively based on a predetermined operational scenario. Each state is then tested separately to ensure that implementation of the states are safe. A first guard block is provided when a state is deemed unsafe such that the first guard block is enabled to cause a system shutdown so as to prevent further processing that can cause an unsafe result.

Abstract: A present invention relates to a novel hybrid intelligent control system and method for power generating apparatuses, in which the control system comprises: a fuzzy sliding mode speed controller, embedded with a fuzzy inference mechanism so as to be used for controlling the speed of a power generating apparatus; and a radial basis function network (RBFN) pitch controller, being embedded with an on-line training RBFN so as to be used for controlling the pitch angle of a turbine coupled to the power generating apparatus. In a variable-speed energy conversion system using the aforesaid control system, the turbine can be driven to operate at its maximum efficiency by adjusting its blade pitch angle in response to the variation of the input flowing into the turbine, while allowing the shaft speed of the power generating apparatus to be controlled by a fuzzy interference mechanism so as to achieve its maximum power output.

Abstract: A standard characteristic which is an average characteristic of multiple samples is approximated in a polygonal-line fashion by first to third lines 315a, 325a, and 335a. The coordinate-point positions of the first and second lines at comparison adjustment points are stored as standard data in a data memory of an electronic control apparatus. An actual-product characteristic as a calibration target is approximated in a polygonal-line fashion by first to third lines 315b, 325b, and 335b. The resistance value of a first label resistor is adjusted to a value corresponding to ratios (V10n/V10, V20n/V20) of monitoring outputs. The resistance value of a second label resistor is adjusted to a value corresponding to ratios (V30n/V30, V40n/V40) of monitoring outputs. The electronic control apparatus reads the resistance values of the label resistors, combines them with the stored standard characteristic, and interpolates a third line portion, thereby restoring and generating the actual-product characteristic.

Abstract: A repetitive controller, a control method thereof and a feedback control system are disclosed. The repetitive controller includes an internal model section, a periodic delay module and a compensation module. An input quantity is input into the repetitive controller via an input terminal of the internal model section; the internal model section, the periodic delay module and the compensation module are connected in series. The repetitive controller further includes a particular frequency selection and passing module, connected in series with the internal model section, the periodic delay module and the compensation module or configured on a forward path of the internal model section. In the repetitive controller of the disclosure, a particular frequency selection and passing module is incorporated such that only the harmonic at the selected frequency are filtered out, thereby realizing the function of removing the harmonic at the particular frequency.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of using feedforward to control a system component may include determining if a feedforward term exists in a feedforward table for a received operating set point. If a feedforward term does not exist, the system component may be incremented until the system is within a first acceptable tolerance of the desired set point. In some embodiments, a measure of steady state error may be determined and compared to a second acceptable tolerance. If within the acceptable tolerance, the corresponding feedforward term may be recorded in the feedforward table. In some embodiments, if the feedforward term exists for the operating set point, the system component may be controlled using controller output that corresponds to the feedforward term. When a change to the system is detected that is associated with possible changes to the feedforward values, new feedforward values may be generated for the feedforward table.

Abstract: A computer-implemented initial run module processes manifest variable data using computer-defined model specification parameters stored in a database to provide initial estimates of weights that are associated with latent variables. The initial run module employs a unique value-based weighting partial least squares computer-implemented process. A final run module then operates upon the manifest variable data to determine the importance of the predictor values that are then used to control the industrial, manufacturing or commercial process. The final run module implements a unique patient partial least squares regression model utilizing a boosting learning technique.

Abstract: A flow control valve includes a housing that includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a first work port and a second work port. The housing defines a spool bore and a pilot spool bore. A main stage spool is disposed in the spool bore. A pilot stage spool is disposed in the pilot spool bore. The pilot stage spool is in selective fluid communication with the main stage spool. A microprocessor includes a controller having a restricted structured controller and a compensation controller. Outputs of the restricted structured controller and the compensation controller are summed to form an electrical signal that is communicated to the pilot stage spool.

Abstract: One or more techniques are provided for the sharing of variable trajectories between multiple controllers in a control system. In general, the present technique is based upon the sharing of predicted desired variable trajectories between multiple controllers requiring a common input variable. In one embodiment, a common input variable is shared between two controllers, wherein one controller is tuned to have dominant control with regard to the shared variable. Each controller determines and communicates their own desired trajectory for the shared variable to the other controller and in doing so, the constraints associated with each controller are shared and honored by the other controller. Based on the communicated trajectories, the dominant controller may exercise control over the shared variable, thus improving overall process control.

Abstract: A system for monitoring plant equipment is provided. Another aspect provides an automated analysis system wherein software instructions operably compare sensor data to predefined valves and determine mechanical problems in multiple machines. In another aspect, a cement manufacturing system includes sensors for sensing movement conditions of cement making machines. A further aspect provides a central computer connected to vibration sensors associated with cement making machines, where software instructions perform real-time comparisons and machine performance determinations, based at least in part on sensed signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for projecting a stabilized laser beam from a robot being controlled through a human interface. The laser beam can be stabilized through the use of optics that continuously adjust the aim of the laser beam in response to measurements of the orientation of the robot. The human interface allows the operator to both observe the visual environment of the robot and also to aim the laser beam. The projected laser beam allows the operator to communicate from the perspective of the robot by pointing to objects or locations within the robot's visual environment, creating symbols with the laser beam, and make gestures with the laser beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to the automatic rendering of a lighting scene with a lighting system, particularly the control of the rendering. A basic idea of the invention is to improve rendering of a lighting scene by automatically compensating interference, such as an alien light source or a dynamic perturbing event of a rendered lighting scene. An embodiment of the invention provides a light control system (10) for automatically rendering a lighting scene with a lighting system, wherein the light control (10) system is adapted for monitoring the rendered lighting scene for the occurrence of interference (14, 20, 22, 24) and automatically reconfiguring the lighting system such that a monitored occurrence of an interference is compensated (16, 18, 12). As result, the invention allows to prevent dynamic disturbances or unforeseen events, for example caused by faulty or alien light sources, from distorting the rendering of an intended lighting scene.

Abstract: Method of reducing performance variability of membrane scaling devices. Scaling device performance uncertainty is reduced, thereby reducing the scaling safety factor, by specifying a narrow range or subset of the set of all qualified manufactured membranes for installation into scaling devices. In certain embodiments, the scalability factor is reduced by determining where within the performance distribution a particular membrane lies, and adjusting the scaling factor accordingly.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product to control position of an error control module in a lithography apparatus using a servo control loop is described herein. The system comprises a filter, a servo controller coupled to the filter and configured to receive a control signal and an actuator coupled to the servo controller and configured to control the position of the error control module. The filter is configured to filter the control signal by modulating the amplitude and phase of the control signal in a desired frequency range, prior to the servo control loop.

Abstract: A method and a device for robust rejection of the periodic disturbances in a motor-position control structure of the RST type, wherein the assembly including the motor, the position sensor, the element for computing the functions 1/So(z?1) and Ro(z?1), in a loop, is called central controller. Within the framework of the invention, to the central controller are added two additional computing elements, the first one being an estimator block E(z?1) and the second one a modifier block Q(z?1), as well as an additional loop, the estimator block E(z?1) allowing a load disturbance estimation signal {circumflex over (v)}(t) to be computed, the modifier block Q(z?1) receiving the load disturbance estimation signal {circumflex over (v)}(t) as an input, to produce a modified signal, which is applied to a negative input of an additional adder arranged upstream from the element for computing the function 1/So(z?1) and then forming the additional loop, the modifier block having a variable transfer function.

Abstract: The present disclose a method for controlling a building automatic control device comprising a CPU module including a main-CPU module and a sub-CPU module, a functional module and a host. The method comprises an initial operation step, a synchronization step, a conversion step, a restoring step and a reporting step. By the method, the CPU module which is duplicated to gain safety of a direction digital control (DDC) used in the building automatic control device operate continuously.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an industrial process and taking action based on the results of process monitoring. Actions taken may include process control, paging, voicemail, and input for e-enterprise systems. The system includes an input module for receiving a plurality of parameters from a process for manufacture of a substance or object. The system also includes a library module. The library module includes a plurality of computer aided processes. Any one of the computer aided processes is capable of using each of the plurality of parameters to compare at least two of the plurality of parameters against a training set of parameters. The training set of parameters is generally predetermined. The computer aided process is also capable of determining if the at least two of the plurality of parameters are within a predetermined range of the training set of parameters. Additionally, the system includes an output module for outputting a result based upon the training set and the plurality of parameters.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to adjust control loop timing in a process control system are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a first input signal generated via a first process control device within a process control system, determining within the process control system if the first input signal is received during a first scheduled time period of a control loop, and adjusting within the process control system a timing of a subsequent input signal received from the first process control device to cause the subsequent input signal to be received during a subsequent scheduled time period of the control loop, wherein the timing of the subsequent input signal is based on at least when the first input signal was received.

Abstract: An electronic system with component redundancy includes a first processing unit, connected to a first board, and a second processing unit redundant with respect to the first unit, and connected to a second board redundant with respect to the first board. Each processing unit and each board include a first communication port, the first communication ports of the first unit and of the first board, and, respectively, of the second unit and of the second board, being interconnected by a wired communication link. Each processing unit and each board include a second communication port, the second port of the first board being connected to the second port of the second unit by a wired communication link, and the second port of the second board being connected to the second port of the first unit by a wired communication link, each communication port able to be activated or deactivated by a corresponding software command.

Abstract: Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The controllers also include communication interfaces for receiving climate data. In certain embodiments, the controllers govern operation of the HVAC systems based at least in part on the climate data. Further, the controllers may display information and alerts related to the climate data. The controllers also may govern operation of air treatment devices within the HVAC systems.

Abstract: A virtual analyzer is provided to estimate either an attribute of a reactant applied during performance of, or an amount of a reactant exhausted by, a process having multiple process parameters (MPPs) that is performed to control an amount of a pollutant emitted into the air. The virtual analyzer includes an interface which receives signals corresponding to attributes of the MPPs. If the process is a wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured pH level of the applied reactant. If the process is a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured amount of the reactant exhausted by the process.

Abstract: The control optimization method for helicopters carrying suspended loads during hover flight utilizes a controller based on time-delayed feedback of the load swing angles. The controller outputs include additional displacements, which are added to the helicopter trajectory in the longitudinal and lateral directions. This simple implementation requires only a small modification to the software of the helicopter position controller. Moreover, the implementation of this controller does not need rates of the swing angles. The parameters of the controllers are optimized using the method of particle swarms by minimizing an index that is a function of the history of the load swing. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the controller in suppressing the swing of the slung load while stabilizing the helicopter.

Abstract: The fuzzy logic-based control method for helicopters carrying suspended loads utilizes a controller based on fuzzy logic membership distributions of sets of load swing angles. The anti-swing controller is fuzzy-based and has controller outputs that include additional displacements added to the helicopter trajectory in the longitudinal and lateral directions. This simple implementation requires only a small modification to the software of the helicopter position controller. The membership functions govern control parameters that are optimized using a particle swarm algorithm. The rules of the anti-swing controller are derived to mimic the performance of a time-delayed feedback controller. A tracking controller stabilizes the helicopter and tracks the trajectory generated by the anti-swing controller.

Abstract: In a method for controlling an installation for producing steel having specific material properties, the material properties depend on the structure and can be influenced by operating parameters of the installation. The operating parameters are determined by a computing program for structure optimization, whereby the set values of the chemical composition of the steel are simultaneously determined by the computing program for structure optimization.

Abstract: An adaptive control method that provides the ability to address control uncertainties in both the sign and magnitude of the control power of the system to ensure stability and command tracking. The adaptive control system also functions correctly and remains internally stable in spite of control limits. The control system has the following elements: (i) a filter that smoothes the command to the plant and modifies the command when a control limit is reached, (ii) an element that receives command error input and constructs a nonlinear function of the accumulated error, (iii) an element that converts the nonlinear function of the accumulated error into a control signal to be added to the output of a baseline control system, and (iv) an element that computes the difference between the actuator command and the maximum achievable output.

Abstract: Disclosed are an articulated hydraulic machine supporting, control system and control method for same. The articulated hydraulic machine has an end effector for performing useful work. The control system is capable of controlling the end effector for automated movement along a preselected trajectory. The control system has a position error correction system to correct discrepancies between an actual end effector trajectory and a desired end effector trajectory. The correction system can employ one or more absolute position signals provided by one or more acceleration sensors supported by one or more movable machine elements. Good trajectory positioning and repeatability can be obtained. A two-joystick controller system is enabled, which can in some cases facilitate the operator's task and enhance their work quality and productivity.

Abstract: Complex filters may be used to achieve compensation of a plant, corresponding for example to a power regulator or point-of-load (POL) regulator. Digital filter coefficients may be mapped to analogous poles and zeros, or they may be mapped to values of the quality factor (Q) of the output, frequency, and gain. The plant may be observed and characterized using a network analyzer to generate the Bode plot (or Nyquist plot) for the plant. The digital filter coefficients may be mapped to features that may be identified on the Bode plot (or Nyquist plot) to easily correlate characteristics of the digital filter or digital compensator to the plant characteristics. The mapped features may be adjusted, for example by a user, either manually or by executing one or more optimization algorithms, to achieve the desired results relative to the Bode plot (or Nyquist plot).

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of estimating at least one state of a modeled dynamic system. In particular, in one embodiment, an observer such as an extended Kalman filter is used to estimate the state of a modeled dynamic system. A covariance matrix associated with state variables of the observer is periodically checked for compliance with a specified condition, e.g., positive definiteness. If the matrix deviates from the specified condition, the matrix is set to a specified value.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling a crane drive unit so as to suppress sway of a load suspended by a rope of a crane, which sway occurs when the load has been transported from a first position to a second position, the control being made by operating a controller having a filter unit by using a feedforward control program.

Abstract: Process controllers, methods, and systems provide for frequency control to account for the effects of periodic disturbances in the feedback signal of closed loop control systems. The frequency components of the feedback signal are determined, including the magnitude and phase of each. Waveforms for each frequency component are generated with substantially the same magnitude and substantially the opposite phase of each frequency component. The waveforms are then summed to produce a compensating waveform that is summed within the output of the control system so that the effects of the periodic disturbances are cancelled from the control system output being provided to the system under control.

Abstract: An industrial process device for monitoring or controlling an industrial process includes a first input configured to receive a first plurality of samples related to a first process variable and a second input configured to receive a second plurality of samples related to a second process variable. Compensation circuitry is configured to compensate for a time difference between the first plurality of samples and the second plurality of samples and provide a compensated output related to at least one of the first and second process variables. The compensated output can comprise, or can be used to calculate a third process variable. The third process variable can be used to monitor or control the industrial process.

Abstract: A information processing apparatus 100 for processing an acquired value, which is a value acquired in regard to a state during a treatment, performed by a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus 200 for performing a treatment on a treatment target containing a semiconductor according to a set value, which is a value for setting a condition of a treatment, includes: a set value receiving portion 101 for receiving the set value; a state value receiving portion 102 for receiving the acquired value; a correction amount calculating portion 103 for calculating a correction amount of the acquired value, using a correction function indicating a relationship between the set value and the acquired value; a correcting portion 104 for correcting the acquired value received by the state value receiving portion 102, using the correction amount calculated by the correction amount calculating portion 103; and an output portion 105 for outputting a result of correction performed by the correcting portion 104.

Abstract: A virtual analyzer is provided to estimate either an attribute of a reactant applied during performance of, or an amount of a reactant exhausted by, a process having multiple process parameters (MPPs) that is performed to control an amount of a pollutant emitted into the air. The virtual analyzer includes an interface which receives signals corresponding to attributes of the MPPs. If the process is a wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured pH level of the applied reactant. If the process is a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured amount of the reactant exhausted by the process.

Abstract: Methods and systems to detect steady-state operations in a process of a process plant include collecting process data. The collected process data is generated from a plurality of process variables of the process. A multivariate statistical model of the operation of the process is generated using the process data. The multivariate statistical model may be generated from a principal component analysis. The model is executed to generate outputs corresponding to the most significant variations in the process. Statistical measures of the outputs are generated and used to determine whether a steady-state or unsteady-state is related to the process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring and detecting failures in the actuation of a control system, such as a flight control system for an aircraft, include defining a nominal model of the control system in terms of the state variables of the control system, defining a model of an asymmetric “actuation monitoring envelope” that dynamically bounds a range that measured state variables of the system are allowed to take during operation of the system as a function of the nominal system state model, monitoring a signal corresponding to a state variable of the system during operation thereof, and detecting a failure in the actuation of the control system when the monitored signal exceeds the bounds of the monitoring envelope.

Abstract: Fluid regulation control may be accomplished by a variety of systems, devices, and techniques. In one application, a fluid regulation control device may include a processor, a fluid control assembly, and a power source. The processor may be adapted to generate a command for controlling a fluid regulator and to adjust a power condition of the device, which may include a low power mode and a high power mode. The device may consume substantially less power in the low power mode than in the high power mode. The fluid control assembly may include a transducer, which may receive a control fluid and adjust it in response to the command during the high power mode. The fluid control assembly may also maintain the adjusted control fluid at a substantially constant value during the low power mode.

Abstract: A method is presented for representing anomalies to a process. These anomalies are represented in an anti-pattern, which depicts non-productive emergent information that describes activities that are detrimental to the progress of the process. The anti-pattern includes visually-coded areas that describe how severe the detrimental activities are to the process when combined. After the anti-pattern is created for the process, new non-productive emergent information for a current process is mapped onto the anti-pattern in the form of data patterns represented as visual fences. Appropriate steps are then taken to address the new non-productive emergent information, depending on the visually-coded area to which the new non-productive emergent information is mapped.

Abstract: A process for the automatic control of the thickness of extruded film lowers the deviations in the thickness of the film more quickly after the start of the extrusion process. The process includes the measurement of the thickness profile of the film just extruded by means of a thickness-measuring probe. The thickness-measuring probe is moved along the surface of the film substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the extruded film. The thickness-measuring probe records a thickness profile of the film for each measuring cycle at least over parts of the expansion of the film perpendicular to its conveying direction. While providing statistical values in relation to older measured values, the latest measured values during a predetermined time-frame at the start of the extrusion process are more heavily weighted by a computer than those measured during the normal operation.

Abstract: In a system calculating control input Ucain based on the linear controller that calculates a provisional input Usl to converge an output of the plant to a desired value in accordance with response-specifying control algorithm based on the linear element and on the nonlinear compensator, the nonlinear characteristic adapter is provided for correcting the nonlinear compensator based on an error e_nl between an output estimated value Cain_est of the plant calculated by the controlled object model solely comprising the linear element and the output Cain of the plant. With this, even when the nonlinear characteristics of the plant change due to manufacturing variance or aging degradation, it becomes possible to accurately compensate the nonlinear characteristics by the nonlinear compensator.

Abstract: In a feedback control apparatus comprising a controller, a control object to be controlled by the controller, and an observer for inputting a control output from the control object and an output of the controller and setting an output of a control object model to be a feedback signal, the observer includes an observer compensator for inputting a difference between the control output and an output of an element model and inputs, to the control object model, a sum of an output of the observer compensator and the output of the controller. Consequently, a control system having an excellent response performance can be constituted and a stable observer can easily be constituted.

Abstract: Improved management feedback-based controller techniques are disclosed for use in accordance with a computing system. For example, a method for managing a computing system includes the following steps. At least one measured performance metric is obtained from the computing system being managed. At least one control input value is generated based on parameters including a control error and a control deadzone such that uncertainty associated with the computing system is accounted for in accordance with the parameters. The control error is determined from a computation comprising the at least one measured performance metric and at least one performance metric goal. The control deadzone is defined such that the control input value is not generated when the control error is within the control deadzone. The control input value is sent to the computing system to effectuate achievement of the at least one performance metric goal associated with the computing system.

Abstract: A controller is provided for directing control of a process performed to control an amount of a pollutant emitted into the air. The process has multiple process parameters (MPPs) The controller includes either a neural network process model or a non-neural network process model. Whichever type model is included, it will represent a relationship between one of the MPPs and other of the MPPs. The controller also includes a control processor having the logic to determine the validity of a measured value of the one MPP based on the one model. The control processor directs control of the process in accordance with the measured value of the one MPP only if the measured value of the one MPP is determined to be valid. On the other hand, if the measured value is determined to be invalid, the control processor may direct control of the process in accordance with an estimated value of the one MPP.

Abstract: A method is presented for representing anomalies to a process. These anomalies are represented in an anti-pattern, which depicts non-productive emergent information that describes activities that are detrimental to the progress of the process. The anti-pattern includes visually-coded areas that describe how severe the detrimental activities are to the process when combined. After the anti-pattern is created for the process, new non-productive emergent information for a current process is mapped onto the anti-pattern in the form of data patterns represented as visual fences. Appropriate steps are then taken to address the new non-productive emergent information, depending on the visually-coded area to which the new non-productive emergent information is mapped.