US 5,121,467 A · Neural network/expert system process control system and method

Abstract

A neural network/expert system process control system and method combines the decision-making capabilities of expert systems with the predictive capabilities of neural networks for improved process control. Neural networks provide predictions of measurements which are difficult to make, or supervisory or regulatory control changes which are difficult to implement using classical control techniques. Expert systems make decisions automatically based on knowledge which is well-known and can be expressed in rules or other knowledge representation forms. Sensor and laboratory data is effictively used. In one approach, the output data from the neural network can be used by the controller in controlling the process, and the expert system can make a decision using sensor or lab data to control the controller(s). In another approach, the output data of the neural network can be used by the expert system in making its decision, and control of the process carried out using lab or sensor data. In another approach, the output data can be used both to control the process and to make decisions.

Claims36

Dependent claims

A computer-based process control method adapted to control a process using a regulatory controller, the process producing a product having at least one product property, the computer-based process control method comprising the steps of:

(1) predicting, using a neural network, output data from input data;
(2) supplying said output data to the regulatory controller for controlling the process;
and
(3) using an expert system to make a decision, using data from the process, to directly or indirectly control the regulatory controller.

1 more element

A computer neural network process control system adapted to control a process using a controller, the process producing a product having at least one product property, the computer-based process control system comprising:

(a) a neural network comprising
(1) first means for storing a first training input data with an associated first timestamp;
(2) second means for storing a first input data indicated by said associated first timestamp;
(3) first retrieving means, responsive to said first means for storing, for retrieving said first training input data indicated by said associated first timestamp;
(4) second retrieving means, responsive to said second means for storing, for retrieving said first input data indicated by said associated first timestamp;
(5) training means, responsive to said first retrieving means and said second retrieving means, for training said neural network in accordance with said first training input data and said first input data to produce a trained neural network;
and
(6) predicting means for predicting output data in accordance with a second input data and said trained neural network;
(b) a controller connected to directly or indirectly control the process, which controller is connected to use said output data as its controller input data;
and
(c) an expert system, connected to use data from the process to make a decision and connected to directly or indirectly control the operation of said controller in accordance with said decision, comprising,
(1) a knowledge base, and
(2) an inference engine responsive to said knowledge base.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Neural network/expert system process control system and method

Life of this patent

Neural network/expert system process control system and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims36