Abstract: An automatic control system provides control of an automotive system in a vehicle based on at least one piece of control provision determination information. The automatic control system includes an information acquisition unit for acquiring the control provision determination information, and determines provision of the control for the automotive system based on predetermined criteria. The criteria defines when and how the query of control provision is conducted by the automatic control system.

Abstract: Historical and real-time data access is leveraged to provide unified data access for interacting with manufacturing process entities such as, for example, process overview displays, charting systems, reporting systems, logging systems, and/or recipe systems and the like. The unified data, for example, allows for playback of historical process overviews for a user selected period of time. In one instance, a “VCR like” user interface can be employed to allow ‘rewinding’ and ‘replaying’ of a historical process overview. This facilitates in proper monitoring and/or troubleshooting of manufacturing processes. The unified availability of past and current data also enables reporting systems to provide “living” reports that automatically update with real-time data. This can allow for efficient comparison of current data with historical data for a given manufacturing process.

Abstract: A controller directs a process primarily performed to control emission of a particular pollutant into the air. The process has multiple process parameters (MPPs), including a parameter representing an amount of the particular pollutant. The controller includes either a neural network process model or a non-neural network process model. In either case, the model represents a relationship between a first of the MPPs and one or more of the other MPPs. The one or more other MPPs include a second of the MPPs which is other than the parameter representing the amount of the emitted particular pollutant. Also included is a processor configured with logic to estimate a value of the second MPP, and to direct control of the first MPP based on the estimated value of the second MPP and the model.

Abstract: In a power management scheme for a power-consuming (e.g. electronic) device, one of multiple predefined operating parameter sets is selected. Each of the sets comprises multiple operating parameter values for the device. Examples of operating parameters include clock frequency or voltage for example. The selection may be responsive to the detection of an event which warrants a change in a current power consumption state of the device. Any operating parameter value in the selected set that would prevent the device from meeting current operating demands is modified to a new value. The new value may be taken from another operating parameter set. The modified set of parameters is applied to the device in order to change the current power consumption state of the device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for automatic estimation of backlash in a control system which includes a controller and a process to be controlled, wherein said controller is capable of performing integrating control of said process using one or more controller parameters to control a process output signal of said process with respect to a setpoint value thereof. The method involves monitoring said process output signal to determine a value reflecting momentary differences between setpoint value and actual value of said process output signal during a time interval; and estimating the backlash from said determined value and said one or more controller parameters.

Abstract: The present application provides for apparatuses and methods for monitoring steam turbine valve assemblies. In one embodiment of the present application a method for monitoring valve assemblies is provided. First, the vibration characteristics of at least one valve assembly prior to operation may be measured. Next, the behavior of that valve assembly may be monitored during operation of the valve assembly, then compared to the vibration characteristics determined prior to operation. Comparing the valve assembly behavior monitored during operation to the valve assembly characteristics measured prior to operation may allow for estimating the stress levels experienced by the valve assembly during operation.

Abstract: A method for solving a constraint satisfaction problem (CSP) comprises identifying a first illegal combination associated with at least one variable, wherein the first illegal combination contradicts at least one constraint; grouping the first illegal combination with a second illegal combination, in response to determining that the first and second illegal combinations contradict the same constraint; identifying at least one failure explanation for each group of illegal combinations, wherein the failure explanation is associated with at least one illegal combination in said group to provide a reason for a contradicted constraint associated with the illegal combination; assigning a value to each variable in the given domain to solve the CSP within the limitations defined by the constraints in a solution path; and generating a result, in response to determining that at least one assigned value to a variable contradicts a constraint.

Abstract: A state based adaptive feedback/feedforward PID controller includes a model set component, communicatively coupled to a process input, having a state variable defining a number of process regions, and a number of models grouped into the process regions. Each of the grouped models includes a plurality of parameters having a value selected from a set of predetermined initial values assigned to the respective parameter. The adaptive controller further includes an error generator communicatively coupled to the model set component and a process output. The error generator configured to generate a model error signal representative of the difference between a model output signal and a process output signal. The error generator, communicatively coupled to a model evaluation component, is configured to compute a model squared error corresponding to a model and correlating the model squared error to parameter values represented in the model.

Abstract: A system and method for user configuration of an autotuning algorithm for a PID controller. User input is received via a Graphical User Interface (GUI) indicating a desired characteristic of a PID controller, such as stiffness or response time. The system is excited via a proportional controller to characterize the intrinsic behavior of the system, i.e., to calculate a system transfer function. An autotuning algorithm is configured in accordance with the user input. The configured autotuning algorithm is applied to the transfer function to generate gain values for the PID controller resulting in the PID controller characteristic specified by the user. The PID controller gains are loaded into the PID controller hardware or software, thereby configuring the PID controller to operate according to the desired characteristic specified by the user. The user may trigger and view a step response of the system to review the results of the tuning process.

Abstract: A method for estimating a state associated with a process includes receiving a state observation associated with the process. The state observation has an associated process time. A weighting factor to discount the state observation is generated based on the process time. A state estimate is generated based on the discounted state observation. A system includes a process tool, a metrology tool, and a process controller. The process tool is operable to perform a process in accordance with an operating recipe. The metrology tool is operable to generate a state observation associated with the process. The process controller is operable to receive the state observation, the state observation having an associated process time, generate a weighting factor to discount the state observation based on the process time, generate a state estimate based on the discounted state observation, and determine at least one parameter of the operating recipe based on the state estimate.

Abstract: A controller for directing operation of an air pollution control system performing a process to control emissions of a pollutant has multiple process parameters (MPPs). One or more of the MPPs is a controllable process parameter (CTPP) and one of the MPPs is an amount of the pollutant (AOP) emitted by the system. A defined AOP value (AOPV) represents an objective or limit on an actual value (AV) of the emitted AOP. The controller includes either a neural network process model or a non-neural network process model representing a relationship between each CTPP and the emitted AOP. A control processor has the logic to predict, based on the model, how changes to the current value of each CTPP will affect a future AV of emitted AOP, to select one of the changes in one CTPP based on the predicted affect of that change and on the AOPV, and to direct control of the one CTPP in accordance with the selected change for that CTPP.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for optimizing an aspect of an Information Technology (IT) structure of an IT system, the aspect of the IT structure is optimized with respect to at least one control parameter. The IT structure includes a plurality of elements. Each element independently is a hardware element, a software element, or a combination of a hardware element and a software element. Each control parameter has a value that is specific to each element of the IT structure.

Abstract: A controller directs operation of an air pollution control (APC) system performing a process to control emissions of a pollutant. The process has multiple process parameters (MPPs), one or more of the MPPs being a controllable process parameters (CTPPs) and one of the MPPs being an amount of the pollutant (AOP) emitted by the system. A user input device identifies an optimization objective. A control processor determines a set point for at least one of the one or more CTPPs based on the current values of the MPPs and the identified optimization objective, and directs control of one of the at least one CTPP based on the determined set point for that CTPP.

Abstract: A method for monitoring of and fault detection in an industrial process, comprising at least a first sub-process and at least one second sub-process arranged in a process chain, comprising, for the at least one second sub-process the steps of collecting data and calculating a multivariate sub-model based on the collected data, said method being characterized by the steps of receiving in the first sub-process from the at least second sub-process information related to the multivariate sub-model calculated for the at least second sub-process, collecting data related to the first sub-process, and calculating a multivariate sub-model for the first sub-process based on collected data and received information.

Abstract: A quality prognostics system and a quality prognostics method for predicting the product quality during manufacturing processes are disclosed, wherein the current production tool parameters sensed during the manufacturing process and several previous quality data collected from the measurement tool are utilized to predict the future product quality, and a conjecture modeling step and prediction modeling step are performed respectively. The conjecture modeling step itself also can be applied for the purpose of virtual metrology. Further, a self-searching step and a self-adjusting step are performed for searching the best combination of various parameters/functions used by the conjecture algorithm or prediction algorithm; and meeting the requirements of new equipment parameters and conjecture/prediction accuracy.

Abstract: A method/system for achieving force control in externally driven hydraulic/gas-filled cylinders estimates effective flow parameters based on sensor measurements, and predicts desired flow parameters for force control objectives and determines required control actuation signals. The system selectively uses pressure sensors to measure the pressure of fluid in each (hydraulic) cylinder, displacement sensors to measure the displacement of the piston in each (hydraulic) cylinder, piston velocity sensors or piston velocity estimators, manifold pressure sensors or manifold pressure estimators, converters that digitize analog signals from the sensors, a microprocessor capable of storing data from the converters and producing actuator signals, and flow regulating actuators responsive to the actuator signals for regulating the flow of (hydraulic) fluid out of each cylinder by changing the effective flow-area of flow ports.

Abstract: In a process control system, the hidden properties of a catalyst are estimated by including those properties in hidden states within a state space model and solving the state space model based on measurable inputs and outputs of the process. The process may include defining a state space model for a process having a catalyst state comprising a hidden catalyst property; defining a set of empirically measurable input variables for the state space model, defining a set of output variables for the state space model, measuring a set of input values corresponding to the set of input variables; measuring a set of output values corresponding to the set of output variables; and estimating the hidden catalyst property based on the input values, the output values, and the state space model.

Abstract: An observation system configured to observe at least one known state variable of an observed system includes a plurality of filters that are configured to receive a system input, and generate the at least one unknown state variable. Generating the unknown state variable includes processing the system input, a plurality of known state variables, and a time varying mode vector. An inverse system configured to observe at least one inverse state variable of an original system includes a plurality of filters that are configured to receive a system input, and generate the at least one inverse state variable. Generating the inverse state variable includes processing the system input, a plurality of known state variables associated with the original system, and a time varying mode vector associated with the original system.

Abstract: A system for updating a plurality of monitoring models is provided. The system includes a model association module that, for each of a plurality of monitored systems determines, an association between a particular monitored system and at least one of a plurality of estimation models. Each estimation model is based upon one of a plurality of distinct sets of estimation properties, and each set uniquely corresponds to a particular estimation model. The system also includes an updating module that updates at least one of the estimation properties and propagates the updated estimation properties to each estimation model that corresponds to a distinct set containing at least one estimation property that is updated. The system further includes a model modification module that modifies each estimation model that corresponds to a distinct set containing at least one estimation property that is updated.

Abstract: A method for creating a non-linear, stationary or dynamic overall model of a control variable of a combustion engine or partial systems thereof is based on simplified partial model functions that are used to determine in a weighted fashion at each desired operating point the total output quantities from the partial model function with an associated weighting function. The difference between the total output quantity and the real value is determined for all real operating points; and in areas of operating points with an absolute value of this difference that is above the preset value, a further model function with a further associated weighting function is used for which the absolute value of the difference stays below the preset value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling and managing a process control system having a plurality of control loops. The method includes implementing a plurality of control routines to control operation of the plurality of control loops, respectively. The plurality of control routines may include at least one non-adaptive control routine. Operating condition data is then collected in connection with the operation of each control loop of the plurality of control loops, and a respective process model is identified for each control loop of the plurality of control loops from the respective operating condition data collected for each control loop of the plurality of control loops. In some embodiments, the identification of the respective process models may be automatic as a result of a detected process change or be on-demand as a result of an injected parameter change.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus holds identification information for identifying the electronic apparatus. A replacement unit is detachably connected to the electronic apparatus. The replacement unit holds an operation program to controls the electronic apparatus and determination information. When the replacement unit is connected to the electronic apparatus, it is determined based on the identification information and the determination information whether the operation program can control the electronic apparatus. Upon determining that the operation program can control the electronic apparatus, the electronic apparatus is controlled with the operation program.

Abstract: In a control system for controlling a plant system or process (22), a model based problem is formulated and an explicit control solution is constructed off-line such that a parametric profile (24) is constructed using parametric optimisation techniques (26). As a result the system can operate in real-time with significantly reduced computational burden.

Abstract: A method of controlling parameters of a positioning mechanism of a printer comprises calculating a deceleration profile of decaying velocity versus position function by defining the function to represent a specimen motor velocity decay from a maximum velocity to zero velocity over a period during which zero voltage is applied to the specimen motor; and moving a load using the positioning mechanism and the calculated deceleration profile between positions and determining parameter values based on an iterative process.

Abstract: A method and device for monitoring the validity of a parameter calculated by an anemometric unit of an aircraft may employ a first section for taking into account n first data, each dependent on the parameter being monitored and n being greater than or equal to 1. A second section takes into account p second data that each depends on a value obtained from a data source external to the anemometric unit, where P is greater than or equal to 2. A calculator calculates, for each of the second data, a difference between this second datum and a first datum of the same type. A comparator compares the absolute value of each of the calculated differences with a threshold value. A deducing section deduces from the comparisons that the monitored parameter is invalid if the absolute values of two of the various differences are greater than the corresponding threshold values.

Abstract: An example method for estimating a wear profile of a consumable wear product used in conjunction with the processing of ore includes obtaining historical data related to wear of the consumable wear product, building a historical wear model based on the historical data, and obtaining a current single measurement point for the consumable wear product. The method includes extrapolating an estimated wear profile using the current measurement point and the historical wear model, and estimating a performance characteristic based on the estimated wear profile.

Abstract: There is provided a control system for a plant and an internal combustion engine, which is capable of enhancing controllability and control accuracy in controlling a plurality of control amounts while eliminating a mutual interaction existing between a plurality of control inputs and the control amounts. The control system 1 for the plant 90 in which a mutual interaction exists between TH_cmd and Liftin_cmd as control inputs and PB and Gcyl as control amounts calculates the two control inputs TH_cmd and Liftin_cmd as two non-interacting inputs for causing PB and Gcyl to follow target values PB_cmd and Gcyl_cmd, respectively, the two control inputs TH_cmd and Liftin_cmd eliminating the mutual interaction, with a predetermined algorithm in which a predetermined response-specifying control algorithm (equations (2) to (8)) and a predetermined non-interacting control algorithm (equation (9)) are combined based on a plant model (equation (20)) formed by modeling the plant 90 into a discrete-time system model.

Abstract: A method of predictive control for a single input, single output (SISO) system, including modeling the SISO system with model factors, detecting output from the SISO system, estimating a filtered disturbance from the output, determining a steady state target state from the filtered disturbance and a steady state target output, populating a dynamic optimization solution table using the model factors and a main tuning parameter, and determining an optimum input from the dynamic optimization solution table. Determining an optimum input includes determining a time varying parameter, determining a potential optimum input from the time varying parameter, and checking whether the potential optimum input is the optimum input.

Abstract: A method of screening for disorders of glucose metabolism such as impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes allows prevention, or early detection and treatment of diabetic complications such as cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, and other disorders of the major organs and systems. A mathematical algorithm evaluates the shape of a subject's glucose profile and classifies the profile into one of several predefined clusters, each cluster corresponding either to a normal condition or one of several abnormal conditions. The series of blood glucose values making up the glucose tolerance curve may be measured using any glucose analyzer including: invasive, minimally invasive and noninvasive types. The method is executed on a processing device programmed to perform the steps of the method. Depending on the outcome of the screening, a subject may be provided with additional information concerning their condition and/or counseled to consult further with their health care provider.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel supply system and operating method therefor, comprising: a fuel cartridge; a fuel level detection element; a main control unit; and an electronic apparatus, wherein the fuel level detection element utilizes the capacitance effect to detect the residual amount of fuel in the fuel cartridge and transmits the detected signal of residual fuel amount to the main control unit, where the computing device in the main control unit coupled with the means of converting fuel volume into remaining running time of electronic apparatus in the memory element calculate the remaining running time of the electronic apparatus, and the electronic apparatus provides information on the residual fuel amount in the fuel cartridge and its remaining running time for the reference of the user.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for optimizing the veneer yield in veneer peeling. The contour of the log to be peeled is determined and the peeling axes at the ends of the log are determined by simulating the veneer yield. The desired veneer yield is determined at least as two veneer products having their own grades. These desired veneer products serve as basic values for the optimizing calculation. The maximum grade of the veneer yield is calculated, based on the dimensions and grades of the veneer products, as well as by iterating the places of the peeling axes and simulating the peeling process. When the peeling axes of the log ends giving the maximum grade yield have been found, the log is placed according to these peeling axes in the lathe and peeled into a veneer web to be cut with a clipper into said desired veneer products.

Abstract: A PID parameter adjustment device includes: a model storage section (1) for storing an equation model to be controlled; a PID controller storage section (2) for storing a control algorithm; a constraint condition storage section (3) for storing a constraint condition for the operation; a simulation operation section (5) for executing simulation of a control system according to the constraint condition; an ideal control result storage section (6) for storing an ideal control response characteristic; an evaluation function operation section (7) for calculating the evaluation function value indicating the closeness between the simulation result and the ideal control response characteristic; and a PID parameter search operation section (8) for executing simulation while modifying the PID parameter and searching a PID parameter at which the evaluation function value is optimal.

Abstract: An earthquake disaster prevention system having: an estimation section to estimate a size of an earthquake from a P-wave of the earthquake detected by the earthquake detector; a stopping control section to control to stop the motion of the operation device when the size of the earthquake estimated by the estimation section exceeds a stopping reference value; a calculation section to calculate at any time the size of the earthquake from the S-wave of the earthquake detected by the earthquake detector; a convergence judgment section to judge convergence of the earthquake by judging whether a predetermined earthquake convergence condition is satisfied from the size of the earthquake calculated by the calculation section; and a resumption control section to resume a predetermined motion of the operation device stopped by the stopping control section when the earthquake is judged to have converged by the convergence judgment section.

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: An agricultural working machine has at least one working unit, a driver's cab; at least one display unit provided in the driver's cab and having a basic electronic viewing screen for showing a plurality of machine and/or crop parameters stored in different functionality windows, the at least one display unit being assigned to the at least one working unit, the at least one display unit with the basic electronic viewing screen and the different functionality windows being formed so that when at least one additional functionality window is open, an open functionality window is zoomed.

Abstract: A method of controlling an environmental condition within a building space having a plurality of devices sensitive to an environmental condition. The method includes the steps of: (a) sensing an environmental condition with plurality of monitors, each monitor having (i) a sensor to detect the environmental condition and generate a characteristic sensing signal and (ii) a transmitter to transmit a data signal in response to the sensing signal; (b) transmitting the data signal from the plurality of sensors in response to the sensing signal; and (c) receiving and processing the data signal at a controller which controls a spatially fixed environmental modulator which, in response to the data signal, controls the environmental condition within the building space. A system for controlling an environmental condition within a building space having a plurality of devices sensitive to an environmental condition is also provided.

Abstract: Abnormal values of an objective variable are removed. A degree of association between an objective variable and a plurality of explanatory variables is calculated. A plurality of explanatory variables having a high degree of association are extracted. A degree of independence between the explanatory variables is calculated. A plurality of candidates of explanatory variables with a high possibility of having a great effect on the objective variable are selected based on the degree of association and the degree of independence. An explanatory variable having a high rate of contribution to the objective variable is selected from among the candidates, based on the cumulative contribution rate, and a regression equation is calculated to estimate a value of the objective variable. The same processing is repeated, using the difference as a new objective variable and explanatory variables except the explanatory variable used to obtain the difference as new explanatory variables.

Abstract: At the transmitting end of a multi-input multi-output communication system having at least two transmit antennas and Mr receive antennas, each symbol of a symbol coset is first arranged so that distinct symbols have distinct real and imaginary components for some set of symbols. The real components of each pair of the arranged symbols form a complex number that is transmitted on the first one of the transmit antennas. The imaginary components of each pair of the arranged symbols form a second complex number that is transmitted on the second one of the transmit antennas. At the receiving end, a decoder receives vector r of the received complex numbers and a channel matrix H, and in response, computes a set of associated distance and label metrics for each of the transmit antennas. A Viterbi decoder receives the computed distance and label metrics and identifies the most likely transmitted coset.

Abstract: In a method for determining a design parameter in a product design parameter determination supporting system, interaction between product function and design parameter is structured, a design parameter group with reduced interaction is extracted, an experiment design is prepared based upon the design parameter group, modeling of a quality influence degree between product function and design parameter is performed from an experiment result, and coordination process of a design parameter and estimation of a product function are performed with taking into account a manufacturing variation. By this means, it is possible to realize a system which can determine many design parameters extremely efficiently even in the product development where there are many design parameters and product functions to be handled and interactions are present between the design parameters and product functions.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium of modeling and/or for controlling a manufacturing process is disclosed. In particular, a method according to embodiments of the present invention includes the step of identifying one or more input parameters. Each input parameter causes a change in at least two outputs. The method also includes the step of storing values of the identified inputs and corresponding empirical output values along with predicted output values. The predicted output values are calculated based on, in part, the values of the identified inputs. The method also includes the step of calculating a set of transform coefficients by minimizing a score equation that is a function of differences between one or more of the empirical output values and their corresponding predicted output values.

Abstract: An electronic system includes a device and a controller to the device. The controller is adapted to calculate a temperature estimate of the device and to control access to the device in accordance with the calculated temperature estimate.

Abstract: The invention provides for the monitoring and control of a system, such as a linear electro-mechanical transducer, e.g. a linear electric motor, particularly when driven in a reciprocating manner. A dynamic model of the linear motor and its load is used to calculate from the input drive to the motor a predicted response of the motor. The predicted response is compared to a measured response and the model parameters are varied by global optimisation until the two match as closely as desired. The drive may be the voltage input to the electrical motor and the response may be the electrical current in the motor coils. The parameters and variables of the model, after optimisation, can be taken as good estimates of the actual operating parameters and variables of the linear motor. This gives a measurement of such quantities as the stoke and offset of the linear motor. The invention is particularly applicable to the use of linear motors to drive compressors, for instance in Stirling cycle coolers.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a data acquisition and transfer device comprising a sensor responsive to change of predetermined nature, and a transmitter for transmitting over the mobile phone network data concerning the occurrence of such a change to a receiver station. Such devices can be used in monitoring patients compliance when undergoing drug trials and can form part of a system which polls the device for changes and keeps a record of all transmissions.

Abstract: In order to automatically calculate an operational sequence of processes that determine an output value from at least one input value, a multitude of processes (P1–P8), whose inputs are provided with at least one of the attributes: input value of the same calculation cycle (PRE), input value of the preceding calculation cycle (POST), input value from any calculation cycle (ANY), are arranged in such a manner that a process, which does not have any input with the attribute input value of the same calculation cycle (PRE), is determined as the first process of a calculation cycle and, in successive analogous steps, determines a quantity of possible sequences.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deriving the channel estimation within a packet based transmission system having a predetermined number of tones (N), wherein each channel has a channel order (L). A first method includes precomputing, from the long sequence (X) of a received signal, a channel estimation matrix (R?1) having a dimension of width and length equal to the channel order (L) and storing one fourth of the channel estimation matrix (R?1) since the channel estimation matrix (R?1) is centrosymmetric. Advantageously, precomputing and storing a fourth of the channel estimation matrix (R?1) saves time and complexity. In a second method, the bit-width requirement for fixed precision requirements regarding implementation in hardware is reduced wherein a channel estimation matrix (G) having dimension of width equal to the number of tones (N) and length equal to the channel order (L) is precomputed and stored.

Abstract: A method for optimizing an industrial process data is disclosed. The method includes collecting data from a plurality of sensor elements, wherein each sensor element collects data from a portion of the industrial process and verifying the data collected. The method further includes analyzing the data collected for efficiency and generating at least one recommendation for optimizing the industrial process. The method further includes presenting the at least one recommendation generated to an administrator of the industrial process.

Abstract: Test molding and mass-production molding are performed by an injection molding machine that includes a control apparatus in which neural networks are used. A quality prediction function determined based on the test molding is revised as necessary during mass-production molding.

Abstract: A control system for a plant is provided. This control system can control the plant more stably, when the model parameters of the controlled object model which are obtained by modeling the plant, which is a controlled object, are identified and the sliding mode control is performed using the identified model parameters. The model parameter identifier (22) calculates a model parameter vector (?) by adding an updating vector (d?) to a reference vector (?base) of the model parameter. The updating vector (d?) is corrected by multiplying a past value of at least one element of the updating vector by a predetermined value which is greater than “0” and less than “1”. The model parameter vector (?) is calculated by adding the corrected updating vector (d?) to the reference vector (?base).

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating the use of a welding process for welding a weld joint. The method comprises providing a user with requests for data to enable a processor-based system to establish various attributes of welding a specific weld joint using a specific welding process. The various attributes may include the cost of welding the weld joint using the welding process. The various attributes may include the cycle time for welding the weld joint using the welding process. The system comprises a program operable to direct the processor-based system to request data from a user and to process the requested data received from the user to enable a processor-based system to establish various attributes of welding a specific weld joint using a specific welding process.

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 Sets of test conditions processes is are derived for which the profile evolution is governed by only a limited number of parameters. For each set of test conditions process, model test values are selected and a test substrate is substrates are actually subjected to a the test process processes defined by the test values , thereby creating a test surface profile profiles. The test values are used to generate an approximate profile prediction predictions and are adjusted to minimize the discrepancy between the test surface profile profiles and the approximate profile prediction predictions, thereby providing a final model of the profile evolution in terms of the process values.