Patent ID: 7117045

Claim:
A neural network controller in parallel with a proportional-plus-integral feedback controller in a control system, the system comprising: at least one input port of the neural network controller for receiving an input signal representing a condition of a process; a first set of data comprising a plurality of learned output values of the neural network controller obtained during a training period thereof using a plurality of first inputs representing a plurality of conditions of said process; and in operation, the neural network controller to contribute to a current output, O τ , of the proportional-plus-integral feedback controller upon detection of at least one triggering event connected with a condition deviation represented by a change in said input signal at a time, τ, otherwise said neural network controller does not contribute to said current output, O τ ; wherein said operation of the neural network controller in communication with the proportional-plus-integral feedback controller, further comprises: (a) upon detection of said triggering event at said time, τ, a respective one of said learned output values, O NN , of said first set of data corresponding with said condition deviation is added to the proportional-plus-integral feedback controller current output, O τ , and at said time, τ, a prior control output value, O τ−1 , of the proportional-plus-integral feedback controller associated with a prior time, τ−1, does not contribute to said current output O τ ; and (b) the proportional-plus-integral feedback controller functioning with a proportional gain constant, K p , and an integral gain constant, K i , that remain unchanged during said operation.