Abstract: A computer method for providing optimization for design processes for situations wherein there is defined a functional form y=f(x,b), where x comprises a set of independent controllable variables x={x1, . . . xn}, b comprises a set of functional parameters b={b1, . . . bm}, and y comprises a dependent uncontrollable design variable, f(x,b) subject to constraints on the dependent uncontrollable design variable y. The method comprises the steps of converting the constraints on y to constraints on b by using a functional estimate of y and its design variables (parameters) b; optimizing the function f(x,b) subject to the converted constraints on its design variables (parameters) b; and generating from step (ii) a set of optimized values of b which can optimize the dependent design variable y.

Abstract: A multivariable process controller controls a chemical, polymer or other physical process. Slow tuning and over-conservative controlled variable values are employed during step testing. While all controlled process variables are within safe limits, only one manipulated variable (MV) at a time is step changed. Several manipulated variables are moved when process variables exceed safe limits to ensure that the controlled process variables return to the safe range, such that suitable MV targets for step testing are able to be automatically discovered within a closed loop control environment. Thus, the step test is able to be conducted mostly unsupervised and/or remotely via a telephone or network connection.

Abstract: A Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling appliances and systems having a two-dimensional or multidimensional operating envelope. A map of the operating envelope or of a part of it onto a unit domain or the operating envelope of another appliance is used for monitoring and control. The apparatus produces this map. The method and the apparatus allow monitoring and control which can be carried out substantially in the same way for appliances whose operating envelopes have different shapes.

Abstract: A computer method for providing optimization for business processes for situations wherein there is defined a functional form y=f(x,b), where x comprises a set of independent controllable variables x={x1, . . . xn}, b comprises a set of functional parameters b={b1, . . . bm}, and y comprises a dependent uncontrollable business variable, f(x,b) subject to constraints on the dependent uncontrollable business variable y. The method comprises the steps of converting the constraints on y to constraints on b by using a functional estimate of y and its business variables (parameters) b; optimizing the function f(x,b) subject to the converted constraints on its business variables (parameters) b; and generating from step (ii) a set of optimized values of b which can optimize the dependent business variable y.

Abstract: A multivariable control method and system suitable for manipulating process variables based on observed changes in controlled objectives without extensive data analysis or involved model development. The method includes operating the process at an initial set of process variables and an initial set of controlled objectives, monitoring the set of process variables and the set of controlled objectives while continuously operating the process, adjusting one or more members of the set of process variables based upon a non-linear optimization with respect to a desired set of controlled objectives, and utilizing the monitored set of process variables and the monitored set of controlled objectives in the non-linear optimization.

Abstract: A method of controlling a multivariable system includes the step of receiving a plurality of sensor signals indicating current conditions of the system and receiving a plurality of commands. The desired dynamic response of the system is then determined based upon the commands and the sensor signals. The problem of controlling the system to achieve the desired dynamic response without violating numerous actuator and physical constraints is then formulated as a quadratic programming problem. By solving the quadratic programming problem, the effector commands are determined and the physical constraints are enforced.

Abstract: Real-time control of a dynamical system is provided by determining control variables that get as close as possible to producing a desired response. Additional consideration of physical limitations leads to a convex Quadratic Program with inequality constraints that needs to be solved in real-time. A new active set algorithm is described to solve the convex Quadratic Program efficiently that meets real-time requirements. Based on the key observation that the physical limitations of the system translate to optimal active sets that remain relatively unchanged over time (even though the actual optimal controls may be varying), starting guesses for the active set obtained from the final iterate in the previous time period greatly reduces the number of iterations and hence allows the Quadratic Programs to be solved to convergence in real-time.

Abstract: Computer-implemented system and method for controlling a processing apparatus having at least one independently controlled manipulated variable and at least one controlled variable responsive to the manipulated variable, using a robust multi-variable controller which defines an expected variation in magnitude for each controlled variable as a respective function of each manipulated variable via use of a set of at least two models. The model set has a dynamic response inertial characteristic. The two models are derived from a Reference Model (the traditional model defined in Dynamic Matrix Control). The multi-model set further enables adaptation of the models and gains during real-time use.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a process for adjusting a processing unit, whereby at least one set value is varied from a starting value to a final value. In this case, the target value of a correcting value is set based on the starting value and the final value of the adjustment value, and the value of the correcting value is run up from its starting value to its target value using a parameter-dependent transfer function. A control variable is measured, the value of the control variable is compared to a comparison value, and in the case of deviations of the value of the control variable from the comparison value, at least one parameter of the transfer function is corrected.

Abstract: A system for on line inference and control of physical and chemical properties of polypropylene and its copolymers is described. The system comprises models for the inference of physical and chemical properties that are not continuously measured and relevant models to control these properties as well as production rate, density of the reaction medium and other process variables of interest. The described control system allows to maximize production rate as well as catalyst yield in the producing process.

Abstract: A method of automatically generating the cam data capable of realizing such a smooth cam profile that an acceleration at a designated point is zero without necessitating a special technique, comprising the steps of first obtaining an inclination at each designated point when an optimum cam profile is realized for each designated point by an automatic set value generating section (15), automatically obtaining, by using the inclination value and a preset equation, such a cam profile that the acceleration at the designated point is zero for each district between two designated start and endpoints, and lastly obtaining an entire cam profile by synthesizing the cam profiles obtained for each district.

Abstract: A method for the orderly execution of multiple tasks in a data processing system and a circuit for implementing that method include a plurality of task modules which construct bids based upon the order of the task and its priority. The highest priority highest order number tasks are switched to available system execution resources. The system permits the orderly execution of round-robin task sets in an environment of dynamically changing priorities. When a round-robin task set is interrupted, the system is able to return to the round-robin task set after execution of the higher priority task at the exact point the interruption occurred.

Abstract: An adaptive predictive expert control system for controlling single-input single-output, or multi-variable time-variant processes with known or unknown parameters and with or without time delay, is disclosed. The adaptive predictive expert control system of the present invention adds an expert block into the operation of previously known adaptive predictive control systems. This expert block based on rules and in the evolution of the process variables, determines and/or modifies the operation of the driver block, control block and adaptive feedback mechanism of the previous art, in order to improve the performance, robustness and stability of the overall control system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for automatic synthesis of multi-variable controllers. A design sequence for designing a controller for a system is selected, wherein the controller includes one or more controller components. A first set of parameters associated to the one or more controller components is then selected. A second set of parameters associated to the first set of parameters is subsequently selected. One or more parameters of the second set are then iteratively modified to obtain a set of modified parameters, until a plurality of performance characteristics calculated using the second set of parameters meets a performance objective for the system.

Abstract: A disk drive provides head position information as position status variables to a host. The position status variables are derived from information formatted on a disk and processed by a media controller for storage in a position register set. The position information includes both radial and circumferential position references. The disk drive is connected to the host over a host interface which enables the position information to be stored automatically in a host memory so that the host can scan the position information to determine an optimum order of data transfer commands to be sent to the disk drive. A method for selecting a next command to transmit to a disk drive employs the position variables to optimize the command selection. In an alternative method, a host selects a command to be executed by one of an array of disk drives and then determines the disk drive to receive the command based on position information variables which have been stored and updated by the disk drives in the array.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes a manipulated variable output unit, calculation unit, first lower limit setting unit, first upper limit setting unit, second lower limit setting unit, second upper limit setting unit, and controlling element. The manipulated variable output unit outputs first and second manipulated variables to an object to be controlled. The calculation unit calculates a limit cycle auto-tuning control parameter. The controlling element performs feedback control calculation based on the control parameter for the deviation between a set point and a controlled variable to calculate the first manipulated variable, and outputs the calculated first manipulated variable to the object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a characteristic of a machine. A variable reluctance sensor (VRS) is coupled to the machine. A first switching device and capacitor, coupled in parallel with the VRS, boosts a variable amplitude of a basic output signal generated by the VRS to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. A control input of the first switching device receives signals, and a modified output signal is generated by the first switching device, having a variable amplitude that is substantially higher than the variable amplitude of the VRS. The modified output signal has an increased signal-to-noise ratio such that machine speed can be more accurately measured during a start-up phase.

Abstract: Apparatus for control of a complex process, said process being described by a plurality of input variables, a plurality of intermediate variables and a plurality of output variables having relationships therebetween such that ones of said inputs and said intermediate variables effect respectively different output variables, each of said output variables having a target, said apparatus comprising an optimizer for finding an optimum value for respective ones of said input and intermediate variables to maximize a summed convergence of said output variables to said targets

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for performing a variable sample rate conversion. A difference between a first sample rate associated with a first signal and a second sample rate associated with a second signal is tracked. A sample rate conversion ratio is adjusted in response to the difference. One of the first and second sample rates is converted using the conversion ratio.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a process (10), having at least two sub-processes (20, 30), by tracking, processing and correcting variables for the product, the production means and/or any process media throughout the process line. The process flow for the first sub-process (20) is divided into slices, each slice representing a specific volume of process flow. At least some of the measured and sampled variable values are related to its specific slice volume.

Abstract: A method to determine global optimality/feasibility/infeasibility when solving a quadratic system of modeling equations for industrial problems includes a bound propagation process to refine bounds and improve linearization, a local linear bounding process to determine feasibility and find approximately feasible solutions, a local linearization process to determine feasibility and local optimality, and a global subdivision search to branch and prune. Applications include solving and optimizing scheduling, planning, operations, inventory, suppliers, ordering, customers, and production problems.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for optimizing locomotive assignments on a railroad network. The locomotives are assigned to power and signaling classes, based on equipment installed within each locomotive. An objective function is set forth that considers the cost of moving extra power in the network, the penalties incurred for late train departures due to the failure to assign an appropriately-equipped locomotive and the cost of train operation. Various constraints are set forth that must be taken into consideration when optimizing the objective function.

Abstract: For controlling multivariable systems, a control unit for controlling a system with several coupled control variables. The control unit includes controllers (10, 11) having associated control variables (x1, x2) as well as a decoupling network. The decoupling network is connected upstream from the system and includes at least one first decoupling member (12). A first output variable (y1) of a first one of the controllers (10) is routed to the first decoupling member (12). The first decoupling member generates a first correcting quantity (14) for a second output variable (y2) of a second one of the controllers (11). The second controller (11) has a PI- or PID-controller core (40) and is configured such that integrator windup is eliminated when the second output variable (y2) corrected with the first correcting quantity (14) reaches a manipulated variable limit. Bumpless manual/automatic changeover of the controller is also made possible.

Abstract: A system for extracting a signal component from an output signal of a dynamic system. The system comprises a state observer and a corrector filter. The state observer is adapted to track a signal component that represents dominant dynamics in the output signal of the dynamic system and provide an estimation signal representing an estimated signal component in the output signal of the dynamic system. The corrector filter is adapted to compensate for a mismatch between the estimation signal and the actual signal component that represents the dominant dynamics in the output signal. A combination of the estimation signal with an output signal of the corrector filter can provide a synthesized signal including the signal component that represents the dominant dynamics in the output signal.

Abstract: A control system for a harvester or similar implement includes a supervisory controller, a set of low-level controllers and a neuro-fuzzy inference system. The supervisory controller employs human expert knowledge and fuzzy logic. The controller monitors the quality of the harvesting process, such as gain loss, dockage, grain damage and the like. Based on the measurements, setpoints for all critical functional elements of the implement are determined. The neuro-fuzzy inference system determines machine settings according to operating conditions and learns from harvester experience. The parameters of the neuro-fuzzy inference system are stored in on-board memory. The neuro-fuzzy system can be used for harvester set-up and as one of the knowledge sources for repeated adjustments during the harvest.

Abstract: A network receiver is configured for receiving a base band carrier signal from another network transceiver via a network medium. A variable gain amplifier generates an amplified base band signal. An A/D converter generates a sequence of sample values representing the base band signal in response to the amplified base band signal. A gain control circuit monitors the sequence of sample values for a plurality of monitoring intervals in a sample time period, determines a range for each monitoring interval, and determines a gain setting for the variable gain amplifier.

Abstract: The invention is based on a control method having a characteristic curve (1) defined by interpolation points (3, 4, 5, 6, 7), the characteristic curve being stored in an electronic processing unit. To control stability and with sufficient accuracy processes overridden by strong, time-variant disturbances, it is proposed that a characteristic line (1) is preset and adapted according to a system deviation and a ratio of the difference between a measured point (9) and an adjacent interpolation point (4, 5) and the difference between the two interpolation points (4, 5) adjacent to the measured point (9).

Abstract: A process plant uses an asset utilization expert to collect data or information pertaining to the assets of the process plant from various sources or functional areas of the plant including, for example, the process control functional areas, the maintenance functional areas and the business systems functional areas. This data and information is stored in a database and is sent to and manipulated in a coordinated manner by tools, such as optimization and modeling tools. This data is also redistributed to other areas or tools where it is used to perform overall better or more optimal control, maintenance and business activities. Information or data may be collected by maintenance functions pertaining to the health, variability, performance or utilization of a device, loop, unit, etc. and this information may then be sent to and displayed to a process operator or maintenance person to inform that person of a current or future problem.

Abstract: Kiln/cooler control and upset recovery using a combination of model predictive control and expert systems. A method for controlling a non-linear process includes the steps of first providing a controller that is operable to receive inputs representing measured variables of the process and predicting on an output of the controller predicted control values for manipulatible variables that control the process. An expert system is provided that models the actions of an operator of the process over an operating region of the process that represents a set of rules for actions to be taken by an operator upon the occurrence of predetermined conditions in the operation of the process. The operation of the controller is overridden with the expert system when one of the predetermined conditions exists and taking the associated action by the expert system to control the operation of the process by changing one or more of the manipulatible variables.

Abstract: The system and method disclosed herein allow a user to retrieve data from various process control loops and organize that data in dynamic manner to allow for multiple types of data analysis. A user may associate individual process control loops into groups and analyze the data and impact of select process control loops in those groups. Since the associations of process control loops into groups can be done dynamically, the user is able to easily reconfigure groups (i.e. add or remove process control loops) and redo the analysis. Another feature is the storage of both the data retrieved and the results of the analysis so that comparisons can be performed and reports can be generated.

Abstract: A multivariable analysis tool is provided wherein an orthogonal decomposition method such as a Partial Least Squares algorithm is applied to a disturbance model, which relates the known loop disturbances to the loop model residue. The tool according to the invention first extracts the most dominant correlation to the loop model residue and then uses the residue to search for secondary dominant correlation in an orthogonal space, and repeats this process until no further output variation can be significantly attributed by the next dominant correlation. In this way, the analysis tool of the present invention is able to estimate the performance potential of each control loop under different disturbance conditions and provide a control performance index by comparing the achieved performance to the performance potential in a multi-variable environment. This index indicates whether or not a given loop is under optimal operation and shows variance of the loop from the best achievable loop performance.

Abstract: A controlling system having a controller which acts on a controlled system as a function of a manipulated variable and a number of controller parameters is intended to provide a given control quality and a given control response in all operating states of the controlled system. For this purpose, the response characteristic of the controlled system is determined in a given time window during operation of the controller by comparing a wavelet transformation of the temporal response of the manipulated variable with a wavelet transformation of the temporal response of a controlled variable of the controller. An instant assigned to the respective wavelet transformation is detected, and the or each controller parameter is set as a function of the response characteristic.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for defining a system hierarchy for a system including a plurality of variables. The method includes generating a first level system block corresponding to a first variable at a first level of the system hierarchy. The first level system block includes statistical information related to the first variable. A second level system block is generated corresponding to a second variable at a second level of the system hierarchy. The second variable has an effect on a value of the first variable. The second level system block includes statistical information related to the second variable.

Abstract: In a position in control, a velocity error is compared to a limit that is a non-linear, continuous and differentiable function of the position error. If the position error is greater than a limit or magnitude, the velocity limit is used for the velocity command; otherwise the position error is used.

Abstract: A factorial experiment is conducted on a manufacturing process to generate a response matrix. The responses are used to calculate individual contrasts in a document as well as replicates effects. The contrast sums are also calculated and displayed in the document. The largest of the contrast sums are identified, and effects associated with those contrast sums are tested for significance using an end count method. The information from the process transformed into “significant effects” information is used to adjust process variables to improve the manufacturing process by avoiding the effect or imparting it to a measurable response of the process.

Abstract: Process for setting controller parameters (PA, K1 . . . Kn) of a state controller (SC) which, together with a plant (PL), forms a closed control circuit (C). The controller parameters (PA, K1 . . . Kn) are variable only in such manner that, in a representation of the poles (P1 . . . P5) of the closed control circuit (C) in a complex frequency range plane (FP, IM, RE), the setting of the controller parameters causes a shift of the poles (P1 . . . P5) approximately along semi-circular arcs (K) and/or origin rays (A1 . . . A3). It is advantageous that according to the process of the invention the setting of the controller parameters (PA, K1 . . . Kn) of the state controller (SC) can be performed by setting predetermined setting parameters that are, from a control-technological standpoint, easily understandable and recognizable. Such parameters are, for example, amplitude factor (&kgr;), rise time (&mgr;), or transient recovery time (t).

Abstract: A method and circuit for controlling a controlled variable by a closed-loop control circuit comprising at least two controllers and a control device with a reference stage and a controlled system generating the controlled variable. The reference stage is supplied with a reference variable, which determines the set point of the controlled variable, the maximum value of which is predefined as a function of the control limits of the control device formed as the sum of the control limits of the controllers of the control device. A first controller of the control device is provided with a control deviation, which is formed as the difference between the reference variable and the actual value of the controlled variable. The other controllers of the control device are provided with a control deviation, which is formed, respectively, as the difference between the control deviation of the respective preceding controller and the actual value of the controlled variable of the additional controller.

Abstract: A closed-loop actuator control system includes a single PI controller for controlling one or more actuators to minimize an error between an engine operating parameter value and a reference parameter value. In multiple actuator systems, the control system of the present invention is operable to drive one actuator to its upper limit before transferring control to the next actuator. The proportional gain block of the PI controller preferably includes a bumpless gain feature operable to limit the rate of change of the proportional gain to thereby provide smooth gain scheduling. A feedforward block may optionally be included that preferably includes the bumpless gain feature. The actuator control system further includes anti-windup logic operable to disable the PI integrator if the actuator drive signal is upper or lower limit bounded and the error signal is greater or less than zero respectively, thereby creating dynamic saturation of the PI integrator.

Abstract: A closed-loop actuator control system includes a single PI controller for controlling one or more actuators to minimize an error between an engine operating parameter value and a reference parameter value. In multiple actuator systems, the control system of the present invention is operable to drive one actuator to its upper limit before transferring control to the next actuator. The proportional gain block of the PI controller preferably includes a bumpless gain feature operable to limit the rate of change of the proportional gain to thereby provide smooth gain scheduling. A feedforward block may optionally be included that preferably includes the bumpless gain feature. The actuator control system further includes anti-windup logic operable to disable the PI integrator if the actuator drive signal is upper or lower limit bounded and the error signal is greater or less than zero respectively, thereby creating dynamic saturation of the PI integrator.

Abstract: An on-line optimizer is provided wherein a boiler (720) is optimized by measuring a select plurality of inputs to the boiler (720) and mapping them through a predetermined relationship that defines a single value representing a spacial relationship in the boiler that is a function of the select inputs. This single value is then optimized with the use of a plant optimizer (818) which provides an optimized value. This optimized value is then processed thought the inverse relationship of the single modified value to provide modified inputs to the plant that can be applied to the plant.

Abstract: Method for determining a state variable x from at least one sensor value by a cost function prepared for a measured value y for implementation in an arithmetic unit of a sensor system having at least one sensor and wherein the cost function depends on the respective state x to be measured and gives a deviation of an actual measured value from the calibration as a function of state x in order to determine the sought state x from this minimum. For the cost function, at least one approximation function is set up on the basis of at least one approximation region within the state region x, by which an approximation of the cost function is carried out with approximation functions with negligible error, wherein the sums of the approximation regions cover the entire relevant state region, and at least all local minima are determined on the basis of the approximation, in a selection of approximation regions, wherein optionally a global minimum is determined from the comparison of local minima.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a semi-empirical process simulator used to determine process values in a plasma process for creating a desired surface profile on a process substrate includes providing a test model which captures all mechanisms responsible for profile evolution in terms of a set of unknown surface parameters. A set of test conditions is derived for which the profile evolution is governed by only a limited number of parameters. For each set of test conditions, test values are selected and a test substrate is actually subjected to a test process defined by the test values, thereby creating a test surface profile. The test values are used to generate an approximate profile prediction and are adjusted to minimize the discrepancy between the test surface profile and the approximate profile prediction, thereby providing a final model of the profile evolution in terms of the process values.

Abstract: A process for performing real-time cascade control for use in controllers. An adaptive process module uses an algorithm to set parameters during system operation to attain the best possible control performance, while providing an easier-to-use system for the user. The algorithm uses a novel adaptive technique to intelligently adjust the minimum and maximum allowable controlled-variable set point limits, under varying load conditions.

Abstract: A method (100) for predicting distortion of a sheet metal during a sheet forming process to form the sheet metal into a part. The method (100) of the present invention is for use with a computer including memory and sheet forming tools. The method (100) comprises applying (104-116) the radial return method to compute the total stress for the anisotropic hardening rule of Mroz. The method (100) of the present invention does not divide a given strain increment into hundreds of subintervals as long as the movement of the center of the active yield surface is along a fixed path. If a break occurs, the given strain increment is divided into a few segments (110).

Abstract: A diagnostic test unit for deterministically measuring one or more parameters, such as dead band, dead time, response time, gain, or overshoot, of a process control device that is connected in a process control loop during operation of a process includes a switch controller, a signal generator, a switch, a response accumulator mechanism, and an analyzer mechanism. The switch controller monitors a process signal during operation of the process to determine whether the process signal is substantially stable. In the event that the process signal is substantially stable, the switch replaces a control signal with a diagnostic test signal generated by the signal generator. The response accumulator is in communication with the process control loop to obtain an indication of the response of the process control device to the diagnostic test signal. The analyzer unit then determines the device parameter from the test signal and the response indication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adaptively controlling a system parameter, such as the temperature in an injection molding machine. In a preferred arrangement, the current status of the system is obtained by sampling the parameter a number of times and by making calculations based upon the samples taken, and then compared to data stored in a database or look-up table to determine whether the status has been encountered previously. The database also contains data corresponding to previous outputs and previous results obtained for each previous output. If the current status matches a previous status, an output is provided that is proportional to a previous output attempted, the proportion being based upon the response achieved by that previous output. If no match is found, an output is provided that is based upon a predetermined value. After the output is provided, a response to the output is monitored, and the current status, the output, and the response are saved for future use.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a fieldbus configuration on a computer system. The user assembles a graphical program or wiring diagram on the screen which comprises a selected plurality of function block icons which are linked with one or more wires connecting the function block icons. As the user assembles the fieldbus configuration wiring diagram, the system automatically creates and displays a schedule which visually presents the schedule being created. The schedule comprises one or more schedule bars for graphically or visually indicating the order of execution of the function blocks. The user can change the order of execution indicated by the schedule by graphically manipulating the schedule bars in the schedule. The user can also place one or more loop structures in the editor window which encapsulate a group of function block icons. The loop structure is used to specify a rate for the function block icons comprised within the loop structure.

Abstract: A device and method that automatically tune a valve controller coupled to a process control loop generate a plurality of sets of tuning parameters for use by the controller, deliver a test signal, such as a blocked sinusoidal signal, to the controller to force the process control loop through a test cycle while each of the plurality of sets of tuning parameters are being used by the controller and measure a response of the process control loop during each of the test cycles. The device and method then calculate a performance index for each of the plurality of sets of tuning parameters based on the measured responses and select one of the sets of tuning parameters based on the calculated performance indices. The selected set of tuning parameters is then loaded into the controller for use during normal operation of the process control loop.