Abstract: A predictive algorithm for predictive at least one output variable based on a plurality of input variables is developed using a genetic programming technique that evolves a population of candidate algorithms through multiple generations. Within each generation, the candidate algorithms are evaluated based on three fitness criteria: (i) an accuracy criterion that evaluates each candidate algorithm's ability to predict historical measurements of the at least one output variable based on corresponding historical measurements of the input variables; (ii) a complexity criterion that evaluates each candidate algorithm's complexity; and (iii) a smoothness criterion that evaluates each candidate algorithm's nonlinearity. The predictive algorithm may be implemented in an inferential sensor that is used to monitor a physical, chemical, or biological process, such as an industrial process in an industrial plant.

Abstract: A predictive algorithm for predictive at least one output variable based on a plurality of input variables is developed using a genetic programming technique that evolves a population of candidate algorithms through multiple generations. Within each generation, the candidate algorithms are evaluated based on three fitness criteria: (i) an accuracy criterion that evaluates each candidate algorithm's ability to predict historical measurements of the at least one output variable based on corresponding historical measurements of the input variables; (ii) a complexity criterion that evaluates each candidate algorithm's complexity; and (iii) a smoothness criterion that evaluates each candidate algorithm's nonlinearity. The predictive algorithm may be implemented in an inferential sensor that is used to monitor a physical, chemical, or biological process, such as an industrial process in an industrial plant.