Abstract: A method for calculating the health of a process control loop based on multiple key assessments of the loop's performance. The method uses the concepts of baselines and thresholds. The typical calculation of loop health is the average of the Percent Towards Threshold for all the assessments divided by the economic significance of the loop.

Abstract: A method for controlling process parameters to achieve constant process conditions, including studying the actual data and reference data independent of time and applying them one on top of the other so that, in the case of optimum match, a 45° straight line is achieved or, in the case of non-match, one tries to achieve a 45° straight line by modifying the process parameters.

Abstract: A control system that constantly and accurately controls a control variable so that it remains within an allowable range is provided. The control system in accordance with the present invention estimates a steady-state deviation d in a controlled object as a steady-state deviation estimation value d? on the basis of a control variable y and a final desired value y2. A control variable y in a controlled object based on the initial desired value y1 is estimated as the primary estimation value y1? on the basis of at least the initial desired value y1 and the steady-state deviation estimation value d?. If a primary estimation value y1? is within an allowable range, then a final desired value y2 agreeing with an initial desired value y1 is determined, while, if the primary estimation value y1? is out of the allowable range, then the final desired value y2 is determined on the basis of at least a boundary value of the allowable range.

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: The present invention is directed to generate an adaptive value in a short time. An adaptive value generating program has an adaptive procedure control program and a DOE tool. The DOE tool is a general statistical processing tool. The adaptive value procedure generating program functions as an interface between a measuring apparatus and the DOE tool. In a data obtaining process, the adaptive value procedure generating program automatically determines a method of selecting a measurement point and passes the result to the DOE tool. Selection of an approximation function and selection of an optimization method are automated. Further, evaluation of a final approximation expression and determination of confirmation data are also automated.

Abstract: A method for evaluating whether a measurable disturbance on a process controlled by a feedback controller is suitable for feed-forward control. The disturbance is measured. The controller output signal due to the disturbance is measured. A first reference signal corresponding to the controller output signal is measured when responding to disturbance entering before the process. A second reference signal corresponding to the controller output signal is generated when responding to a disturbance entering after the process. It is estimated where in the process the disturbance enters by comparing the measured controller output signal due to the disturbance with the reference signals. It is evaluated whether the disturbance is suitable for feed-forward control depending on where in the process the disturbance enters.

Abstract: A system and method which partitions a parameter estimation model, a fault detection model, and a fault classification model for a process surveillance scheme into two or more coordinated submodels together providing improved diagnostic decision making for at least one determined operating mode of an asset.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for synchronous control of a leading element and a follower element in which synchronism is started smoothly and a mechanical shock at the start of synchronism is reduced. When the follower element is started to move to be synchronized with the leading element, motion of the follower element is started before the follower element reaches a start position of the synchronism, and brought into synchronism with the leading element at the start position of synchronism. A positional relationship between the leading element and the follower element in synchronism, and a start position for starting the synchronism of the follower element and the leading element is set. An acceleration control of the follower element is performed between a motion start position preceding the start position of the synchronism and the start position of the synchronism.

Abstract: An advanced control block that implements multiple-input/multiple-output control, such as model predictive control, within a process control system uses a compensation block or algorithm and a single control model based on a single process model to provide advanced control in a process having widely variable process delay. The compensation block changes the execution period of the advanced control block to account for changes in the one or more process variables responsible for the variable process delay, which eliminates the need to provide different advanced control models or control definitions for different operating regions for a process in the cases in which the delay in a process output is correlated to a measurable process or control variable.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring an apparatus or process asset including creating a process model comprised of a plurality of process submodels each correlative to at least one training data subset partitioned from an unpartitioned training data set and each having an operating mode associated thereto; acquiring a set of observed signal data values from the asset; determining an operating mode of the asset for the set of observed signal data values; selecting a process submodel from the process model as a function of the determined operating mode of the asset; calculating a set of estimated signal data values from the selected process submodel for the determined operating mode; and determining asset status as a function of the calculated set of estimated signal data values for providing asset surveillance and/or control.

Abstract: In a control method, the first controlled variable is made to coincide with a predetermined controlled variable set point. A relation variable representing the relationship between second controlled variables which are designated in advance from measured second controlled variables different from the first controlled variable so as to maintain a predetermined relationship is calculated. A control actuator is so controlled as to make the calculated relation variable coincide with a predetermined relation variable set point. The difference between the calculated relation variable and a relation variable set point corresponding to the calculated relation variable is calculated. The calculated difference is added to the measured first controlled variable. A manipulated variable is calculated by performing feedback control calculation so as to make the sum coincide with the controlled variable set point. The calculated manipulated variable is output to a corresponding control actuator.

Abstract: According to a feedback control method, the response process of set point tracking control is divided into three, tracking, convergence, and stabilization phases. The phase is switched to the tracking phase at set point change start time as the tracking phase start time. The manipulated variable which causes the controlled variable to tracking the set point is continuously output in the tracking phase. The phase is switched to the convergence phase at, as the convergence phase start time, specific set point tracking control elapsed time at which the controlled variable does not exceed the set point in the tracking phase. A manipulated variable which converges the controlled variable to the vicinity of the set point is continuously output in the convergence phase. The phase is switched to the stabilization phase at, as the stabilization phase start time, time at which the controlled variable reaches a preset situation in the convergence phase.

Abstract: In the NH3 injection rate control method for an NOx removal apparatus, operating area of the apparatus is divided into first area in which molar ratio of NH3 injection rate with respect to NOx flow rate at an inlet of the apparatus is smaller than molar ratio at minimum point where NOx concentration assumes minimum value and second area in which the molar ratio is equal to or larger than the minimum point molar ratio, and virtual NOx concentration with respect to the molar ratio is set according to virtual characteristic line which varies monotonically to stride across desired operating point without rising with increase of the molar ratio from the first area to the second area. Moreover, feedback control is implemented for adjusting the NH3 injection rate with respect to the NOx flow rate in direction that the virtual NOx concentration is brought close to the desired NOx concentration.

Abstract: Method for real-time control of the fabrication of a thin-film structure comprising a substrate by ellipsometric measurement in which: variables directly linked to the ellipsometric ratio ?=tan? exp(i?) are measured; and the said variables are compared with reference values. The comparison relates to the length of the path traveled at a time t in the plane of the variables with respect to an initial point at time t0, for each layer participating in the thin-film structure.

Abstract: A programmable controller comprises a speed pattern generator(12) including speed pattern generator units (12a-12n) that respond to input quantities of the amount of movement, speed, acceleration time and deceleration time by calculating a desired speed pattern for output to a servomotor (17). A desired speed pattern is generated by simultaneously operating any of the speed pattern generator units (12a-12n) of the speed pattern generator (12). The speed pattern provided by the speed pattern generator (12) is output to a console (14), on which the user can process the speed pattern freely.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for filtering a variable. A first filtering arrangement is used for forming an output variable as a function of an input variable, the first filtering arrangement having at least a delaying effect. The input variable of the first filtering arrangement is corrected using a correcting variable which is obtained by starting from the input variable of the first filtering arrangement and by filtering, using a second filtering arrangement.

Abstract: Systematic methods to detect, verify, and repair a collinear model are presented. After detecting collinearity in a model or subsets of a model, a directional test is carried out to verify if the collinearity is real. The model can then be adjusted in either direction to making a near collinear model exactly collinear or less collinear, subject to model uncertainty bounds or other linear constraints. When doing the model adjustment, deviations from the original model are minimized and the directionality of the model is kept unchanged.

Abstract: A controlling device of high follow-up accuracy is provided, the prediction accuracy of which is not degraded by an FF signal when the controlled object is feedforward-controlled. The prediction controlling device 1 has a feedforward signal generation command filter 2 for generating a future command increment which is an increment from one sampling period to the next sampling period of a target command signal from the present to a multiple-sampling future and the feedforward signal from the future target command signal. A prediction controller 3 receives the future command increment, the feedforward signal, and a controlled object output at the past sampling time over zero sampling, and determines the future error prediction value by using a transfer function model from the feedforward signal and the control input to the controlled object output.

Abstract: There is provided a print control unit capable of transferring and stopping an object to be controlled at a target position when unexpected load is applied to the object. A print control unit includes: a selection control part, operating at a predetermined timing, to select and set the control parameters in accordance with the target speed, to judge as to whether the object is located within a target range, based on the output of the position detecting part, if located, the selection control part selecting and operating the third control part, while if the object is not located within the target range, the selection control part selecting and operating the first or the second control part based on the physical value corresponding to the speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process control where some of the controllable parameters are difficult or impossible to characterize. The present invention relates to process control in biotechnology of such systems, but not limited to. Additionally, the present invention relates to process control in biotechnology minerals processing. In the inventive method, an application of the present invention manipulates a minerals bioprocess to find local exterma (maxima or minima) for selected output variables/process goals by using a learning-based controller for bioprocess oxidation of minerals during hydrometallurgical processing. The learning-based controller operates with or without human supervision and works to find processor optima without previously defined optima due to the non-characterized nature of the process being manipulated.

Abstract: A parameter setting device includes faders 15a to 15c to which a plurality of parameters are respectively allotted. The plural parameter values are respectively set in accordance with the operation positions of faders 15a to 15c. When scene selection switches 24 to 26 are operated, the plural parameter values are gradually changed in accordance with the lapse of time towards the final values represented by scene data. During this change of the parameter values, faders 15a to 15c are driven by a motor and move in correspondence with the parameter values. When invalidation switches 12a to 12c, 21 are operated during this movement of faders 15a to 15c, the movement of faders 15a to 15c is controlled to be stopped, and the parameter values are instantaneously changed to the final values according to the scene data.

Abstract: A control system includes a measurement device capable of gathering high frequency process parameter data, a modeling routine which uses the high frequency parameter data to develop a model of the high frequency noise and a compensation routine that employs the developed model to adjust a control signal to thereby compensate for the high frequency noise present within the process parameter. The measurement device may measure a process variable at a relatively high frequency and send a subset of the measured data (e.g., the low frequency data) to a standard controller that generates a control signal to control the measured process parameter in any known manner. The modeling routine analyzes the high frequency data and develops a mathematical model of the high frequency noise within the process variable.

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 control arithmetic device includes a subtracting section, disturbance application detecting section, error correction amount calculating section, error correction amount convergence calculating section, and control arithmetic section. The subtracting section calculates the error of a controlled variable on the basis of a controlled variable and set point for a controlled system. The disturbance application detecting section detects, in control cycles, on the basis of the error output whether a disturbance is applied. The error correction amount calculating section calculates an error correction amount on the basis of the magnitude of the error when application of a disturbance is detected. The error correction amount convergence calculating section performs a convergence operation. A control arithmetic method is also presented.

Abstract: A control system for controlling an operating system stores a system parameter such as an ultimate pressure value, for an operating system. The control system allows operation of the operating system only after an initial value of the system parameter has been loaded. In one embodiment, a data generator element intended normally to specify a set point for the operating system, is used to provide the system parameter value as well. The control system provides a grace period after a value of the system parameter has been entered during which the system parameter value can be changed. After the grace period ends, the system parameter value cannot be changed by the operating system manager under normal circumstances. A light source is flashed in various patterns to indicate to personnel which of several different actions available to the control system are occurring.

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: In an electro-mechanical distribution system having plural units each comprising a valve/switch and dual sensors, a computer is associated with each unit so as to process sensor information and control the valve/switch. According to the control logic, a unit is either in normal mode or fault mode. The fault mode begins with a transient waiting period and may continue on to a series of steps. A step waiting period (wherein the valve is closed) may be followed by the step testing period (wherein the valve is closed) of the same step; a step testing period may be followed by the step waiting period of the next step. Fault mode is triggered if at any time during normal mode either sensor detects a fault condition. Normal mode is triggered if at any time during fault mode both sensors concurrently detect a normal condition.

Abstract: A method of operating a control device having a setpoint value, an error signal, and a control output is disclosed. The error signal is representative of a difference between a controlled variable and the setpoint value, the control output operable to affect the controlled variable. The method includes generating the control output based at least in part on the error signal and holding the control output at a held value independent of the error signal when the error signal is within a dead zone. The method also includes causing an integrating portion within the control device to track the error signal and the held value when the error signal is within the dead zone.

Abstract: A method of operating a control device having a setpoint value, an error signal, and a control output is disclosed. The error signal is representative of a difference between a controlled variable and the setpoint value, the control output operable to affect the controlled variable. The method includes generating the control output based at least in part on the error signal and holding the control output at a held value independent of the error signal when the error signal is within a dead zone. The method also includes causing an integrating portion within the control device to track the error signal and the held value when the error signal is within the dead zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for preparing and supplying a slurry to a chemical mechanical polishing machine. The slurry contains liquid components at a predetermined mixing ratio. The apparatus includes draw ports for separately drawing therethrough the liquid components, and a discharge port for supplying the slurry to the machine. Feed pumps are arranged on feed lines for the liquid components, respectively, said feed lines extending from the individual draw ports to the discharge port, such that the feed pumps can draw the corresponding liquid components in specific amounts to give the mixing ratio and can deliver the thus-drawn liquid components toward the discharge port, respectively. Dampers and pressurization valves are arranged in combinations on the respective feed lines on delivery sides of the feed pumps. Flowmeters are arranged on downstream sides of the corresponding combinations of the dampers and pressurization valves.

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: Pipelines are controlled by specifying operations along them. Control specifies sequential control values defining operations at each station to control the pipeline state. The time-dependent state is determinable by software calculations using continuous measurements along the pipeline. Forecasted deliveries dictate that the current pipeline state must change by future time (T). Control sequences are determined at pipeline stations to exercise optimum pipeline control while achieving predetermined goals from the current state to a sustainable target state which supports future deliveries by simulating current pipeline states through time interval T, while satisfying time-dependent forecast deliveries. An initial computable control set is iteratively improved and evaluated by computing the gradient of pipeline operational cost, costs of missing target(s), and costs of violating constraints by solving an adjoint problem each time the simulation is made.

Abstract: An electronic control board for supplying control signals including an activation signal to a controlled device in response to a detection signal created by a sensor comprises an on delay timer, a run timer, and an off delay timer. The on delay timer must time out before an activation signal is sent to the controlled device. The run timer permits activation of the controlled device during a run time interval. The off delay timer must time out before a subsequent detection signal will be permitted to generate an activation signal. A lockout timer prohibits generation of an activation signal if the number of activations exceeds a cycle limit. The control board further provides for shutting off the controlled device if the second detection signal occurs during the run time interval.

Abstract: A DSP#B 6 executes, prior to data conversion, interpolation (see FIG. 2) in order to interpolate discrete spectra obtained via the FFT processing by a DSP#A 5. In the interpolation, the DSP#B 6 executes two-point interpolation if the difference between two discrete spectrum data pieces F(j) and F(j+1) is greater than a predetermined threshold &egr; and four-point interpolation if the difference is smaller than &egr;.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring an apparatus or process asset including creating a process model comprised of a plurality of process submodels each correlative to at least one training data subset partitioned from an unpartitioned training data set and each having an operating mode associated thereto; acquiring a set of observed signal data values from the asset; determining an operating mode of the asset for the set of observed signal data values; selecting a process submodel from the process model as a function of the determined operating mode of the asset; calculating a set of estimated signal data values from the selected process submodel for the determined operating mode; and determining asset status as a function of the calculated set of estimated signal data values for providing asset surveillance and/or control.

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: Aircraft flight data collection is enhanced by changing the data sampling rate as a function of an operational condition of the aircraft, such as its flight phase. An algorithm is used to determine the flight phase. Then, the data is collected at a first sampling rate when the flight phase is one of a first set of flight phases and collected at a second sampling rate when the flight phase is one of a second set of flight phases. The second sampling rate is greater than the first sampling rate to maximize the data storage capacity of the system. Generally, the higher sampling rate is used with transient flight phases such as takeoff and thrust reverse.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring an apparatus or process asset including partitioning an unpartitioned training data set into a plurality of training data subsets each having an operating mode associated thereto; creating a process model comprised of a plurality of process submodels each trained as a function of at least one of the training data subsets; acquiring a current set of observed signal data values from the asset; determining an operating mode of the asset for the current set of observed signal data values; selecting a process submodel from the process model as a function of the determined operating mode of the asset; calculating a current set of estimated signal data values from the selected process submodel for the determined operating mode; and outputting the calculated current set of estimated signal data values for providing asset surveillance and/or control.

Abstract: In tuning a controller for a process in a feedback control system, a method is provided for bringing the system into asymmetric self-excited oscillations for measuring the frequency of the oscillations, average over the period value of the process output signal and average over the period control signal and tuning the controller in dependence of the measurements obtained. An element having a non-linear characteristic is introduced into the system in series with the process and set point signal is applied to excite asymmetric self-excited oscillations in the system. An algorithm and formulas are given for identification of the process model having the form of first order plus dead time transfer function. PI controller settings are given as a function of the dead time/time constant ratio. An apparatus for performing the method is disclosed.

Abstract: An accessible parameter of a chaos embodying system of a physical or biological type is monitored by extraction of measurement data and recordation thereof on a return map as a dynamic representation of the system activity, from which the magnitude and timing of intervention is determined and applied to the system in order to sustain chaos behavior.

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: From a set of possible switching states and responsive to a sequence of measurements, a corresponding sequence of switching states is determined for a system having a plurality of dynamic models, associates each model with a switching state such that a model is selected when its associated switching state is true. A state transition record is determined, based on the measurement sequence. The sequence of switching states is determined by backtracking through the state transition record. Alternatively, the switching state model is decoupled from the dynamic system model. The decoupled switching state model is transformed into a hidden Markov model (HMM) switching state model, while the decoupled dynamic system model is transformed into a time-varying dynamic system model. A solution to the dynamic system model is estimated using a Kalman filter.

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 system for establishing a table of correction values for detecting deviations from zero in a sensor module of a vehicle, wherein a sensor sensing the movement of the vehicle a sensor for sensing the temperature of the vehicle movement sensor and is provided, and a method for determining a corrected sensor signal and a sensor module for determining a corrected sensor signal.

Abstract: One or more signals are optimized in many industrial applications, one or more input quantities are combined according to a predetermined process to produce an output as a function of the inputs. For many types of functions, an optimum output value is possible, corresponding to a predetermined optimum input value or, where there is more than one input, to a set of such input values, which may be considered to define an input vector. A problem with many search techniques is that a local optimum rather than the global optimum is found. However, in the present optimization process, test values are selected, and the most optimal function values generated from the selected test values are stored. When a local optima is detected stored optimal function values are used to move away from the local optima.

Abstract: A method for monitoring consumable performance in a processing tool comprises storing a performance model of the processing tool; receiving a consumable item characteristic of a consumable item in the processing tool; determining a predicted processing rate for the processing tool based on the consumable item characteristic and the performance model; determining an actual processing rate of the processing tool; and determining a replacement interval for the consumable item based on at least the actual processing rate. A processing system includes a processing tool and an automatic process controller. The processing tool is adapted to process wafers and includes a consumable item.

Abstract: A fluid supply system controller includes a processor, a memory subsystem and fluid application code. The memory subsystem is coupled to the processor and stores data and instructions. The fluid application code causes the processor to perform the steps of receiving a workpiece width, a workpiece feed length, a workpiece stroke rate, a workpiece fluid thickness and a calibrated flow rate. The fluid application code then causes fluid to be periodically provided to the workpiece for a fixed duration responsive to the received workpiece width, workpiece feed length, workpiece stroke rate, workpiece fluid thickness and calibrated flow rate.

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: Apparatus for efficiently supplying energy to a device in a circuit, the apparatus comprising a powered device having a critical path delay; delay line operative to model said critical path delay; control logic responsive to output from said delay line and operative to generate control output; and a power converter operative to adjust supply voltage to said powered device in response to said generated control output, wherein the delay line, the control logic, and the power converter cooperate to provide first order bang-bang control of said critical path delay.

Abstract: A process for regulating a centrifuge used for solid/liquid separation of sewage sludge commences by measuring the input variables of the operating point ot the centrifuge, the variables including 1) suspended matter content of the centrate; 2) the flow rate of sludge; 3) the flow rate of reagent; and 4) the value of torque of the motor of a conventional centrifuge. Operating zones are established, each of which is two dimensional relative to the input variables. Fuzzy logic rules are established, qualifying the operation of the centrifuge, the rules respectively corresponding to the zones. The rules are implemented in response to the input variable measurements, where actions on the sludge flow rate and reagent flow rate make it possible to bring the operating point into a particular zone of optimal and stable centrifuge operation.