Patent ID: 6662058
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: G05B

Abstract:
A method for providing a control vector at a plurality of sampling instants k for an apparatus carrying out a process, wherein said process comprises:at least one input variable and at least one output variable; at least one of said input variables defining a process input vector; at least one of said output variables defining a process output vector; said apparatus varying said process input vector in accordance with a value of said control vector; and said method comprises: storing a model capable of predicting dynamic values of said process output vector at future sampling instants; using said model to calculate a predicted control vector at said sampling instant k that will produce a predicted dynamic process output vector at a future sampling instant k+r+1 equal to a desired process output vector at said future sampling instant k+r+1; applying control limits on said predicted control vector to produce a limited control vector; using a first set of rules based on an evolution of at least one of said at least one input variable and said at least one output variable to determine if said limited control vector should be used to provide said control vector; and selecting said control vector based on evolution of at least one of said at least one input variable, said at least one output variable and an empirical control experience when said first set of rules determines that said limited control vector should not be used to provide said control vector.