Patent ID: 8380328
Filing Date: 2013-02-19
Classification: G05B,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method for control of a multi-variable process throughout a plurality of successive, distinct phases of the process, comprising: (a) the step of accumulating sets of values of process and quality variables from previous multiple operations of the process through all the plurality of phases, the sets of values being accumulated as respective datasets of a historical record, each dataset comprising a plurality of sub-sets of data individually identified respectively with the plurality of phases of the process; (b) determining which of the plurality of phases is a current phase of the process; (c) deriving an operational envelope in respect of the current phase, the operational envelope being derived from sub-sets of data which are individually identified in the datasets of the historical record with the current phase; (d) indicating on respective axes of a multi-dimensional display representation current values of the process variables within the current phase of the process, the current values of the process variables within the current phase being indicated on their respective axes of the multi-dimensional display representation; (e) indicating the operational envelope against the respective axes of the multi-dimensional display representation to define bounds for values of the process variables within the current phase; and (f) controlling the process successively through individual phases of the plurality of phases in dependence upon the bounds defined by the operational envelope for values of the process variables within the current phase.