Patent ID: 7415312
Filing Date: 2008-08-19
Classification: G05B,G05D

Abstract:
1. A method of characterizing a process module having a plurality of process inputs that affect a process condition and a first plurality of sensors of the process condition whose outputs are used by a controller of the plurality of process inputs to maintain a desired process condition, using a process condition measuring device having a plurality of sensors that measure the process condition, comprising: placing the process condition measuring device in the process module; providing a first excitation to at least a first of the plurality of process inputs and providing a second excitation to at least a second of the plurality of process inputs, while recording the outputs of the second plurality of sensors; and using the recorded output of the plurality of sensors to develop a model of relationships between the process condition and the plurality of process inputs, including a first relationship between the process condition at a first of the second plurality of sensors and the first process input and a second relationship between the process condition at the first of the second plurality of sensors and the second process input, wherein the first plurality of sensors are part of the process module and wherein the process condition measuring device and the second plurality of sensors are separate from and removable from the process module.