Abstract: A cross-direction feedback controller, profiler system and actuator setpoint controller are provided in communication with a plurality of actuators in a machine of a web-forming process, and with a local region detector that determines an actual profile response of a product of the web-forming process in response to consecutively bumping each of the actuators. A relationship between generated profile response data and an actuator setpoint change in the generated profile response data is represent by a profile-to-actuator general interaction matrix, which is expanded into linear equations that describe impacts of bumped actuators on different profile points of generated profile response data. The linear equations are rearranged into a bump-magnitude matrix as a function of a desired response model vector. A least-square solution is found for the bump-magnitude matrix, convolved with a window function and then optimized to minimize error between an actual and a modeled profile response.

Abstract: An initial setpoint determiner that determines an initial setpoint for controlling a web forming process based on a sensed signal indicative of a characteristic of an output generated by the web forming process, a setpoint adjuster that periodically determines an adjustment signal based on local regional error characteristics of the output generated by the web forming process, and a final setpoint determiner that determines a final setpoint signal that controls the web forming process based on the initial setpoint and the adjustment signal.

Abstract: A cross-direction feedback controller, profiler system and actuator setpoint controller are provided in communication with a plurality of actuators in a machine of a web-forming process, and with a local region detector that determines an actual profile response of a product of the web-forming process in response to consecutively bumping each of the actuators. A relationship between generated profile response data and an actuator setpoint change in the generated profile response data is represent by a profile-to-actuator general interaction matrix, which is expanded into linear equations that describe impacts of bumped actuators on different profile points of generated profile response data. The linear equations are rearranged into a bump-magnitude matrix as a function of a desired response model vector. A least-square solution is found for the bump-magnitude matrix, convolved with a window function and then optimized to minimize error between an actual and a modeled profile response.

Abstract: A web making machine is monitored to identify at least one cross-machine direction (CD) actuator that is developing local mapping problems. The identified CD actuator and a segment of surrounding actuators are probed to determine a performance curve for the actuator. The center of an insensitivity region of the performance curve is selected as an optimal mapping alignment setting for the identified actuator with the setting for the actuator being updated. Global smoothing may also be accomplished by probing a global smoothness factor to generate a corresponding performance curve that is then similarly used to select an optimal value for the smoothness factor.

Abstract: Fast cross direction caliper control recovery time in a sheet making machine during startup of the machine after a sheet break is achieved provided that a preselected time duration measured from the occurrence of the sheet break to the clearing of sheet break has elapsed. One or both of calender stack conditioning and conditioning of a measurement from a sensor for measuring caliper of the sheet, both with feedback CD control suspended, can be selectably performed. These operations can be performed concurrently if the selected time duration for both are identical. A closed loop change in a set of control tuning parameters of a PI controller providing feedback caliper control of actuators associated with the calender stack can be performed after either or both of the other operations are performed.

Abstract: A web making machine is monitored to identify at least one cross-machine direction (CD) actuator that is developing local mapping problems. The identified CD actuator and a segment of surrounding actuators are probed to determine a performance curve for the actuator. The center of an insensitivity region of the performance curve is selected as an optimal mapping alignment setting for the identified actuator with the setting for the actuator being updated. Global smoothing may also be accomplished by probing a global smoothness factor to generate a corresponding performance curve that is then similarly used to select an optimal value for the smoothness factor.

Abstract: A web making machine is monitored to identify at least one cross-machine direction (CD) actuator that is developing local mapping problems. The identified CD actuator and a segment of surrounding actuators are probed to determine a performance curve for the actuator. The center of an insensitivity region of the performance curve is selected as an optimal mapping alignment setting for the identified actuator with the setting for the actuator being updated. Global smoothing may also be accomplished by probing a global smoothness factor to generate a corresponding performance curve that is then similarly used to select an optimal value for the smoothness factor.

Abstract: The CD profile of a web of material being produced is monitored and controlled to update CD control settings on-line so that changes in the operation of a machine manufacturing the web can be corrected before significant profile deviations from a desired CD profile target result. Detected variances in the profile that satisfy a search criteria initiate searches for improved CD control settings. The CD control of the present application recognizes CD actuator mapping misalignments, determines improved CD control settings and applies the improved CD control settings to fine tune a CD controller and thereby improve upon or correct mapping misalignments. The CD control of the present application also recognizes non-smoothness of the setpoints of the CD actuators and controls the smoothness of the setpoints. Recognition and correction of either CD actuator mapping misalignments or CD actuator setpoint smoothness or both can be performed by the automated optimization of the present application.