Self-optimizing method and machine

A method for self-optimizing, without human interaction, an object relative to a specific criterion or activity during the operation of said object and in response to variations on a prescribed number m of variables, comprising:

• planning without human control, guidance, supervision, and intervention a statistical design matrix for testing said m variables in n tests;
• according to the design matrix performing said n designed tests on said very object in actual operation;
• determining the instantaneous combination of said m variables which optimizes said specific criterion or activity during said actual operation;
• setting the conditions of said m variables at the thus-determined optimal combination;
• and
• substantially continuously repeating the planning, performing, determining, and setting steps to achieve real-time self-optimizing control.

A method for substantially continuously real-time self-optimizing, without human interaction, a machine relative to a specific performance during the operation of said machine and in response to variations on a prescribed number m of variables, comprising:

• programming the machine to cause it to plan by itself a statistical design matrix for testing said m variables in n tests;
• according to said design matrix performing said n designed tests on the very machine actually in said operation;
• determining the instantaneous combination of said m variables which optimizes the specific performance during said operation;
• setting the conditions of said m variables at the thus-determined optimal combination before the combination significantly changes;
• and
• substantially continuously repeating said programming, performing, determining, and setting steps in the above sequence to achieve real-time self-optimizing control.