Computer method for providing optimization of manufacturing processes, with dynamic constraints

A program storage device, readable by machine to perform method steps for providing optimization for manufacturing processes for situations wherein there is defined a functional form y=f(x,b), where x comprises a set of independent controllable variables x={x1, . . . xn}, b comprises a set of functional parameters b={b1,. .bm}, and y comprises a dependent uncontrollable manufacturing variable, f(x,b) subject to constraints on the dependent uncontrollable manufacturing variable y, the method comprising the steps of:

• (i) converting the constraints on y to constraints on b by using a functional estimate of y and its manufacturing variables (parameters) b;
• (ii) optimizing the function f(x,b) subject to the converted constraints on its manufacturing variables (parameters) b;
• and
• (iii) generating from step (ii) a set of optimized values of b which can optimize the dependent manufacturing variable y.

A computer for providing optimization for manufacturing processes, the computer comprising:

• (i) means for inputting data defining a functional form y=(x,b), where x comprises a set of independent controllable variables x={x1, . . . xn}, b comprises a set of functional parameters b={b1, . . . bm}, and y comprises a dependent uncontrollable manufacturing variable, f(x,b) subject to constraints on the dependent uncontrollable manufacturing variable y;
• (ii) means for converting the constraints on y to constraints on x by using a functional estimate of y and its manufacturing variables (parameters) b;
• (iii) means for optimizing the function f(x,b) subject to the converted constraints on its manufacturing variables (parameters) b;
• (iv) means for generating from element (iii) a set of optimized values of b which optimizes the dependent manufacturing variable y;
• and
• (v) means for displaying the set of optimized values of b and the resulting manufacturing variable y.