Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture suitable for determining setpoints of the control variables to optimize the process while taking into account the process-limiting variables in applications where responses are highly non-linear. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises determining an actual rate of change of a performance limiting process parameter; calculating a predicted rate of change for the performance limiting process parameter for a predetermined future time interval; and adjusting a setpoint for the control variables to optimize the process while taking into account the performance limiting process parameter using the actual rate of change and the predicted rate of change.

Abstract: The systems and the methods relating to process control optimizations systems useful to manage oilfield hydrocarbon production. The systems and the methods utilize intelligent software objects which exhibit automatic adaptive optimization behavior. The systems and the methods can be used to automatically manage hydrocarbon production in accordance with one or more production management goals using one or more adaptable software models of the production processes.

Abstract: A system for conveying information to an underwater diver wearing a mask. The information is conveyed via a field of view display system which either superimposes the information onto the field of view of the diver or places the information within a glance of the diver. Included are sensors for measuring the pressure in the dive tanks, for sensing the depth of the diver, and for sensing the ambient temperature of the surrounding environment. A microcomputer interprets the information to provide advice such as safe assent rates. The display desirably includes a visual array for providing a visually perceptible representation of the information conveyed by the display signal as well as an optical arrangement for placing an image of the visual array at a long focus distance in relation to the eye of the diver and for magnifying the actual image of the visual array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process control optimization systems which utilize an adaptive optimization software system comprising goal seeking intelligent software objects; the goal seeking intelligent software objects further comprise internal software objects which include expert system objects, adaptive models objects, optimizer objects, predictor objects, sensor objects, and communication translation objects. The goal seeking intelligent software objects can be arranged in a hierarchical relationship whereby the goal seeking behavior of each intelligent software object can be modified by goal seeking intelligent software objects higher in the hierarchical structure. The goal seeking intelligent software objects can also be arranged in a relationship which representationally corresponds to the controlled process' flow of materials or data.

Abstract: A system for conveying information to an underwater diver wearing a mask. The information is conveyed via a field of view display system which places the information at the glance of the diver through the viewing window of the diving mask. Included are sensors for measuring the pressure in the dive tanks, for sensing the depth of the diver, and for sensing the ambient temperature of the surrounding environment. A microcomputer processes the sensed information and displays it to the diver as well as interpreting the information to provide advice such as safe assent rates which will allow the diver to avoid decompression sickness and the remaining safe dive time. The display placed within the field of view desirably includes an optical arrangement for placing an image of a visual array at a long focus distance, preferably at infinity, in relation to the eye of the diver and for magnifying the actual image of the visual array means such that the diver can readily observe the image of the visual array.