Method and Apparatus for Process Optimization

A method for determining whether a run of a process is on a trajectory for successful completion, the method comprising providing a processor programmed with logic and/or instructions and process equipment coupled with the processor, and the steps of:

• (a) initiating a run of the process using the process equipment;
• (b) during the run initiated in step (a), obtaining by the processor values of variables that affect the quality of the run,
• (c) obtaining by the processor a preferred trajectory model for successful completion of the process containing one or more values of variables for achieving successful completion of the process, and
• (d) comparing by the processor the values of variables that affect the quality of the run obtained in step (b) with the values of variables in the preferred trajectory model obtained in step (c) to determine whether the run of the process initiated in step (a) is on a trajectory for successful completion,
• wherein comparison step (d) allows a determination of an amount of offset of the value of variables determined in step (b) to the values of variables of the preferred trajectory model obtained in step (c), and
• wherein the amount of offset is indicative of whether the run initiated in step (a) is on a trajectory for successful completion.

A method for performing an execution run of a process comprising the steps of:

• (1) providing a processor programmed with logic and/or instructions and process equipment coupled with the processor;
• (2) obtaining, by the processor, a preferred trajectory model containing values of variables for successful completion of the process,
• (3) performing an execution run of the process by:
• (a) initiating the execution run of the process using the process equipment,
• (b) during the execution run initiated in step 3(a) obtaining, by the processor, one or more values of variables that affect quality of the execution run,
• (c) comparing, by the processor, the variables obtained, by the processor, in step 3(b) to the values of variables of the preferred trajectory model obtained by the processor in step (2), to determine if the execution run is on a trajectory for successful completion, and
• (d) taking a further action, by the processor, affecting the execution run initiated in step 3(a) dependent upon the determination performed in step 3(c),
• thereby performing an execution run of the process.