Self-optimizing machine and method
First Claim
1. A method for self-optimizing, in real time, a machine relative to a specific performance characteristic in response to variations on a prescribed number m of variables comprising:
- selecting a statistical design which prescribes the number n of tests and the exact design matrix in which the test level of each of the m variables is specified for all the n tests;
according to the design matrix simultaneously sensing and adjusting to their respectively specified test levels all said m variables at a specific time instant;
recording and storing the value of the specific performance characteristic in response to all said m variables at their respective test levels for this specific time instant;
sequentially and repeatedly sensing and adjusting the conditions of all said m variables according to the design matrix at n-1 substantially consecutive time instants within minutes subsequent to said specific time instant;
sequentially and repeatedly recording and storing the n-1 values of the specific performance characteristic in response to all said m variables at their respective levels for the n-1 subsequent, consecutive time instants;
analyzing the n sets of recorded values and combinations of levels of said variables to determine the functional relationship between said variables and said specific performance characteristic;
from the functional relationship determining the singular combination of the conditions of said m variables that gives optimum value for the specific performance characteristic for the particular time instants and condition, environment, and service requirements of the machine; and
setting the conditions or levels of said m variables at their respective, thus-determined conditions.
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Abstract
The invention discloses method for self-optiming, in real time, a machine relative to a specific performance characteristic in response to variations on a prescribed number m of variables. This method comprises selecting a statistical design; repeatedly and at n time instants adjusting conditions of the m variables and simultaneously recording the dependent values of the performance characteristic; analyzing the n sets of data to determine the functional relationship between the m variables and the specific performance characteristic; determining the combination of the m variables that gives optimum value of the performance characteristic; and setting the conditions of the m variables at the thus-determined combination. A machine in the form of a programmed microprocessor embodying this self-optimizing method is also disclosed.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method for self-optimizing, in real time, a machine relative to a specific performance characteristic in response to variations on a prescribed number m of variables comprising:
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selecting a statistical design which prescribes the number n of tests and the exact design matrix in which the test level of each of the m variables is specified for all the n tests; according to the design matrix simultaneously sensing and adjusting to their respectively specified test levels all said m variables at a specific time instant; recording and storing the value of the specific performance characteristic in response to all said m variables at their respective test levels for this specific time instant; sequentially and repeatedly sensing and adjusting the conditions of all said m variables according to the design matrix at n-1 substantially consecutive time instants within minutes subsequent to said specific time instant; sequentially and repeatedly recording and storing the n-1 values of the specific performance characteristic in response to all said m variables at their respective levels for the n-1 subsequent, consecutive time instants; analyzing the n sets of recorded values and combinations of levels of said variables to determine the functional relationship between said variables and said specific performance characteristic; from the functional relationship determining the singular combination of the conditions of said m variables that gives optimum value for the specific performance characteristic for the particular time instants and condition, environment, and service requirements of the machine; and setting the conditions or levels of said m variables at their respective, thus-determined conditions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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8. A machine for self-optimizing, in real time, a specific performance characteristic in response to variations on a prescribed number m of variables comprising:
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means for selecting a statistical design which prescribes the number n of tests and the exact design matrix in which the test level of each of the m variables is specified for all the n tests; means for simultaneously sensing and adjusting to their respectively prespecified test levels all said m variables according to the design matrix at a specific time instant; means for storing the value of the specific performance characteristic in response to all said m variables at their respective test levels for this specific time instant; means for sequentially and repeatedly adjusting the conditions of all said m variables according to the design matrix at n-1 substantially consecutive time instants within minutes subsequent to said specific time instant and also storing the n-1 values of the specific performance characteristic in response to all said m variables at their respective levels; means for analyzing the n sets of stored values and combinations of levels of said variables to determine the functional relationship between said variables and said specific performance characteristic; means for determining from the functional relationship the singular combination of conditions of said m variables that gives optimum value for the specific performance characteristic; and means for setting the conditions or levels of said m variables at their respective, thus-determined conditions. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification