US5058043A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Batch process control using expert systems
Assignee: Rockwell Automation Pavilion Inc
•
Filing: 1989-04-05
•
Granted: 1991-10-15
•
Expires: 2009-04-05
Abstract
Abstract Batch process control is improved by defining a step endpoint condition in an expert system knowledge base; using the expert system to monitor for the occurrence of the endpoint in the batch process; and triggering a change in a batch process condition when the endpoint is found. Preferably, the expert system and the batch process condition change are implemented as modules which execute under control of timing and sequencing functions in a supervisory control system, and the change affects a setpoint (or other control objective) in a continuous control system. Multiple instances of modular expert systems allow parallel process units to be easily controlled.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard D. Skeirik
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 05:45
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B13/00; G05B13/02; G05B13/0265; G05B13/028; B; B01; B01J; B01J19/00; B01J19/0006; B01J19/004; G06; G06F; G06F9/00; G06F9/06; G06F9/44; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S706/00; Y10S706/902; Y10S706/903; Y10S706/906
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 107
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
An expert system based batch process control method, comprising the steps of: (a) initiating the batch process; (b) monitoring, using knowledge in the expert system which defines an endpoint condition in the batch process, for said endpoint condition; and (c) changing, using the expert system, a control objective of the batch process when the expert system detects said endpoint condition.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
60 words
An expert system based batch process control method, comprising the steps of: (a) initiating the batch process; (b) monitoring, using knowledge in the expert system which defines an endpoint condition in the batch process, for said endpoint condition; and (c) changing, using the expert system, a control objective of the batch process when the expert system detects said endpoint condition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The expert system based batch process control method of claim 1, wherein step (a) comprises the step of: initiating said batch process in accordance with a command from a process operator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The expert system based batch process control method of claim 2, wherein said initiating step further comprises: using a toggle on/off function of an event module in a modular supervisory control system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The expert system based batch process control method of claim 1, wherein step (a) comprises the step of: initiating said batch process automatically when a previous step in said batch process reaches its endpoint.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The expert system based batch process control method of claim 4, wherein said initiating step further comprises the step of: causing an event module in a modular supervisory control system to execute.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The expert system based batch process control method of claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises the step of: cycling said expert system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The expert system based batch process control method of claim 1, wherein step (b) further comprises the steps of: (i) executing said expert system; (ii) waiting an idle time; and (iii) executing said expert system after said idle time.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The expert system based batch process control method of claim 1, wherein step (b) further comprises the step of: (i) using an inference engine with said knowledge to detect said endpoint condition.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The expert system based batch process control method of claim 8, wherein step (i) further comprises the step of: using said knowledge in the form of decision-making knowledge about the domain.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
The expert system based batch process control method of claim 8, wherein step (i) further comprises the step of: using said knowledge in the form of a group of rules around classes of objects.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
The expert system based batch process control method of claim 8, wherein step (i) further comprises the step of: using said knowledge in the form of rules structured according to a limited set of predetermined types.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
The expert system based batch process control method of claim 8, wherein step (i) further comprises the step of: using said knowledge in the form of at least one rule for representing knowledge about the domain.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
The expert system based batch process control method of claim 1, wherein step (c) further comprises the step of: changing said control objective using changes encoded directly in said knowledge.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
The expert system based batch process control method of claim 1, wherein step (c) further comprises: changing said control objective using a batch-type control system triggered by said expert system.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
The expert system based batch process control method of claim 1, wherein step (c) further comprises the step of: changing said control objectives using a process operator in accordance with communication from said expert system.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
33 words
The expert system based batch process control method of claim 1, wherein step (b) further comprises the step of: using said knowledge in an expert system module in a modular supervisory control system.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
37 words
The expert system based batch process control method of claim 1, wherein step (b) further comprises the step of: using timing and sequencing functions to repeatedly execute an expert system module in a modular supervisory control system.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
The expert system based batch process control method of claim 1, wherein step (c) further comprises the step of: using an explicit request in said knowledge to execute an event module in a modular supervisory control system.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
66 words
A batch process control system, comprising: (a) control means for controlling process conditions of the batch process, so as to maintain said process conditions at pre-defined objectives; and (b) expert system means, responsive to said control means, for causing said control means to change said pre-defined objectives when an endpoint condition, defined by knowledge in said expert system means, is detected by said expert system means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
66 words
A batch process control system, comprising: (a) control means for controlling process conditions of the batch process, so as to maintain said process conditions at pre-defined objectives; and (b) expert system means, responsive to said control means, for causing said control means to change said pre-defined objectives when an endpoint condition, defined by knowledge in said expert system means, is detected by said expert system means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The batch process control system of claim 19, wherein said control means comprises: a distributed control system.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
The batch process control system of claim 20, wherein said expert system means is part of said distributed control system.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
The batch process control system of claim 19, wherein said control means comprises: a programmable logic controller.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
The batch process control system of claim 19, wherein said control means comprises: a single loop controller.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
26 words
The batch process control system of claim 19, wherein said control means comprises: a distributed control system, and a supervisory controller supervising said distributed control system.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
The batch process control system of claim 24, wherein said expert system means is part of said supervisory controller.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
The batch process control system of claim 24, wherein said supervisory controller comprises: an expert system module, and feedback control module.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
The batch process control system of claim 24, wherein said supervisory controller comprises: an event module.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
26 words
The batch process control system of claim 19, wherein said expert system means comprises: a knowledge base, and an inference engine responsive to said knowledge base.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
18 words
The batch process control system of claim 28, wherein said knowledge base comprises: decision-making knowledge about the domain.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
21 words
The batch process control system of claim 28, wherein said knowledge base comprises: a group of rules around classes of objects.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
The batch process control system of claim 28, wherein said knowledge base comprises: at least one rule for representing knowledge about the domain.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
23 words
The batch process control system of claim 28, wherein said knowledge base comprises: rules structured according to a limited set of predetermined types.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
The batch process control system of claim 28, further comprising: interface means for providing input data used in said knowledge base.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
The batch process control system of claim 33, wherein said interface means receives said input data from a process measurement database.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
The batch process control system of claim 33, wherein said interface means receives said input data from a process control system.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
25 words
The batch process control system of claim 33, wherein said interface means comprises: means for sending a request for a change to said control means.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
The batch process control system of claim 33, wherein said interface means comprises: terminal means having query and text display function.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
23 words
The batch process control system of claim 19, wherein said expert system means comprises: an expert system module residing in a supervisory controller.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
25 words
The batch process control system of claim 19, wherein said expert system means comprises: an expert system module in a modular supervisory process control system.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
28 words
The batch process control system of claim 39, wherein said modular supervisory process control system further comprises: template based rule editor means for configuring said expert system module.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
The batch process control system of claim 40, wherein said template rule editor uses three pre-defined rule structures entered through forms.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
The batch process control system of claim 19, wherein said expert system means is part of said control means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
65 words
A batch process control system, comprising: (a) control means for controlling at least one process condition of the batch process, in accordance with a desired objective; and (b) expert system means, responsive to said control means, for causing said control means to change said desired objective when an endpoint condition, defined by knowledge in said expert system means, is detected by said expert system means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
65 words
A batch process control system, comprising: (a) control means for controlling at least one process condition of the batch process, in accordance with a desired objective; and (b) expert system means, responsive to said control means, for causing said control means to change said desired objective when an endpoint condition, defined by knowledge in said expert system means, is detected by said expert system means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
17 words
The batch process control system of claim 43, wherein said control means comprises: a distributed control system.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
The batch process control system of claim 44, wherein said expert system means is part of said distributed control system.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
17 words
The batch process control system of claim 43, wherein said control means comprises: a programmable logic controller.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
17 words
The batch process control system of claim 43, wherein said control means comprises: a single loop controller.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
26 words
The batch process control system of claim 43, wherein said control means comprises: a distributed control system, and a supervisory controller supervising said distributed control system.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
19 words
The batch process control system of claim 48, wherein said expert system means is part of said supervisory controller.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
21 words
The batch process control system of claim 48, wherein said supervisory controller comprises: an expert system module, and feedback control module.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
16 words
The batch process control system of claim 48, wherein said supervisory controller comprises: an event module.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
The batch process control system of claim 43, wherein said expert system means comprises: a knowledge base, and an inference engine responsive to said knowledge base.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
18 words
The batch process control system of claim 52, wherein said knowledge base comprises: decision-making knowledge about the domain.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
The batch process control system of claim 52, wherein said knowledge base comprises: a group of rules around classes of objects.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
23 words
The batch process control system of claim 52, wherein said knowledge base comprises: at least one rule for representing knowledge about the domain.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
23 words
The batch process control system of claim 52, wherein said knowledge base comprises: rules structured according to a limited set of predetermined types.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
21 words
The batch process control system of claim 52, further comprising: interface means for providing input data used in said knowledge base.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
21 words
The batch process control system of claim 57, wherein said interface means receives said input data from a process measurement database.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
21 words
The batch process control system of claim 57, wherein said interface means receives said input data from a process control system.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
25 words
The batch process control system of claim 57, wherein said interface means comprises: means for sending a request for a change to said control means.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
21 words
The batch process control system of claim 57, wherein said interface means comprises: terminal means having query and text display function.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
23 words
The batch process control system of claim 43, wherein said expert system means comprises: an expert system module residing in a supervisory controller.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
25 words
The batch process control system of claim 43, wherein said expert system means comprises: an expert system module in a modular supervisory process control system.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
28 words
The batch process control system of claim 63, wherein said modular supervisory process control system further comprises: template based rule editor means for configuring said expert system module.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
22 words
The batch process control system of claim 64, wherein said template based rule editor uses three pre-defined rule structures entered through forms.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
19 words
The batch process control system of claim 43, wherein said expert system means is part of said control means.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
83 words
A batch process control system, comprising: (a) first event module means for changing a first condition of the batch process; (b) expert system module means having a plurality of rules defining an endpoint condition of the batch process and responsive to data from the batch process for detecting said endpoint condition; and (c) second event module means, responsive to said expert system means, for changing a second condition of the batch process, upon detection of said endpoint condition by said expert system means.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
83 words
A batch process control system, comprising: (a) first event module means for changing a first condition of the batch process; (b) expert system module means having a plurality of rules defining an endpoint condition of the batch process and responsive to data from the batch process for detecting said endpoint condition; and (c) second event module means, responsive to said expert system means, for changing a second condition of the batch process, upon detection of said endpoint condition by said expert system means.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process control system of claim 67, wherein said first condition of said first event module means comprises: a desired process control objective.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process control system of claim 67, wherein said first condition of said first event module means comprises: a parameter used to control the batch process.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
27 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, wherein said expert system means comprises: means for running said expert system means until said endpoint condition is detected.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
22 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, wherein said first event module changes said first condition of a distributed control system.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
22 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, wherein said first event module changes said first condition of a programmable logic controller.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
22 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, wherein said first event module changes said first condition of a single loop controller.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
14 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, further comprising: a statistical test module.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
14 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, further comprising: a feedback control module.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
14 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, further comprising: a feedforward control module.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
31 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, wherein first event module means, said expert system module means, and said second event module means are part of a real-time control program.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
20 words
The batch process control system of claim 77, wherein said real-time control program further comprises: modular timing and sequencing functions.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
49 words
The batch process control system of claim 78, wherein said modular timing and sequencing functions control execution of said first event module means, said expert system module means, and said second event module means in accordance with module timing functions and parameters and/or in accordance requests for module execution.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
19 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, wherein said first event module means is a batch supervisory module.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
19 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, wherein said second event module means is a batch supervisory module.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
25 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, wherein said first event module means comprises: event change module means for changing an analog target value.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
25 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, wherein said first event module means comprises: event change module means for changing an digital target value.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
25 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, wherein said second event module means comprises: event change module means for changing an analog target value.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
25 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, wherein said second event module means comprises: event change module means for changing a digital target value.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
29 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, wherein said first event module means comprises: event change module means for changing a target value to a pre-defined absolute value.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
28 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, wherein said first event module means comprises: event change module means for changing a target value by a fixed amount.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
26 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, wherein said first event module means comprises: event change module means for changing at least two target values.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
29 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, wherein said second event module means comprises: event change module means for changing a target value to a pre-defined absolute value.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
28 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, wherein said second event module means comprises: event change module means for changing a target value by a fixed amount.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
26 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, wherein said second event module means comprises: event change module means for changing at least two target values.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
31 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, further comprising feedback control module means for changing a recipe of the batch process, said recipe being in said first event module means.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
18 words
The batch process control system of claim 92, further comprising means for changing a value of said recipe.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
19 words
The batch process control system of claim 92, further comprising means for changing a time duration of said recipe.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
31 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, further comprising feedback control module means for changing a recipe of the batch process, said recipe being in said second event module means.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
18 words
The batch process control system of claim 95, further comprising means for changing a value of said recipe.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
19 words
The batch process control system of claim 95, further comprising means for changing a time duration of said recipe.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
43 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, further comprising real-time control program means for controling, in accordance with module timing and/or sequencing functions, the execution of said first event module means, said expert system module means, and/or said second event module means.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
34 words
The batch process control system of claim 67, further comprising build-supervisor means for specifying using a template entry said first event module means, said expert system module means, and/or said second event module means.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
86 words
A batch process control system, comprising: (a) first event module means for changing a first condition of the batch process; (b) second event module means for changing a second condition of the batch process; (c) following domino timing function means for causing said second module means to execute when said first event module means turns off, for keeping said second event module means turned on for a specified execution time interval, and for turning said second event module means off after said specified execution time interval.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
86 words
A batch process control system, comprising: (a) first event module means for changing a first condition of the batch process; (b) second event module means for changing a second condition of the batch process; (c) following domino timing function means for causing said second module means to execute when said first event module means turns off, for keeping said second event module means turned on for a specified execution time interval, and for turning said second event module means off after said specified execution time interval.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
88 words
A batch process control system, comprising: (a) first event module means for changing a first condition of the batch process; (b) second event module means for changing a second condition of the batch process; and (c) first domino timing function means for causing said first event module means to execute when said first event module is turned on, for keeping said first event module means turned on for a specified execution time interval, and for turning said first event module means off after said specified execution time interval.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
88 words
A batch process control system, comprising: (a) first event module means for changing a first condition of the batch process; (b) second event module means for changing a second condition of the batch process; and (c) first domino timing function means for causing said first event module means to execute when said first event module is turned on, for keeping said first event module means turned on for a specified execution time interval, and for turning said first event module means off after said specified execution time interval.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4227245A
Cited
US4215396A
Cited
US4563746A
Cited
US4628435A
Cited
US4628434A
Cited
US4736296A
Cited
US4656603A
Cited
US4649515A
Cited
US4648044A
Cited
US4658370A
Cited
US4644479A
Cited
US4642782A
Cited
US4616306A
Cited
US4672529A
Cited
US4740886A
Cited
US4670848A
Cited
US4713775A
Cited
EP0213940A1
Cited
US4825353A
Cited
US4754410A
Cited
US4783752A
Cited
US4752889A
Cited
US4853175A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-10-14 | 1995-04-15 | 1995-10-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-10-14 | 1999-04-15 | 1999-10-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-10-14 | 2003-04-15 | 2003-10-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |