Process Control Method With Integrated Database For Electronically Documenting The Configuration, Modification And Operation Of A Controlled Process

A method for controlling a manufacturing process, the method comprising:

• receiving measurement information via a network;
• applying rules to the received measurement information to determine a desired response;
• and
• sending control information via the network, the control information facilitating control of at least one control device according to the desired response,
• the method comprising the further step of storing the measurement information, the rules, and administrative information in a common database wherein access to the database is limited to authorized users.

A method for controlling a manufacturing process, the method comprising:

• storing rules in a database;
• receiving measurement information;
• storing the received measurement information in the same database;
• applying the rules to the measurement information to determine a desired response;
• and
• sending control information, the control information facilitating control of at least one control device according to the determined desired response.

A process control system for controlling a manufacturing process comprising:

• a general purpose computer configured to communicate via a network;
• a database configured to contain rules for determining desired responses to measurement information;
• and
• wherein the computer is configured to receive measurement information via the network, apply the rules to the received measurement information to determine a desired response, and send control information via the network.