Patent ID: 8195581

Claim:
A method comprising: generating a multi-dimensional non-linear multivariable model of a process, the model defined using multiple building blocks; providing multiple process input arrays to the model; simulating a behavior of the process using the model in real-time using at least one processor; and providing one or more process output arrays of the model, wherein the one or more process output arrays identify the simulated behavior of the process; wherein the building blocks comprise, for each process output array: at least one linear discrete time transfer function block having at least one first spatial mapping matrix and configured to receive at least one of the process input arrays; a non-linear static map block configured to receive at least one output array from the at least one linear discrete time transfer function block; and a linear transfer function block having a second spatial mapping matrix and configured to receive an output array from the non-linear static map block and to generate that process output array.