Control model

Abstract

Methods of controlling processes having operating conditions, one or more inputs, and one or more outputs. The methods comprise defining acceptable steady state conditions, operating the process, and sampling output on the basis of a dual segment output population model, detecting destabilizing process events which result in output not representing acceptable output parameters, defining operating conditions according to which output is rejected, and defining output parameters according to which output is rejected. Upon detecting a destabilizing process event, the invention temporarily implements sampling assuming a second segment of the output population. The process can include automatically rejecting output whenever any one of either the operating conditions or the output parameters is violated, thereby establishing a leading automatic output rejection and a trailing automatic output rejection in relation to the destabilizing event, and thus defining an automatic output rejection period according to which output is automatically rejected. Such embodiments define a leading transition period proximate and prior to the automatic output rejection period, and a trailing transition period proximate and after the automatic output rejection period. The transition periods, overall, represent periods of higher than average risk that output will be defective. The method contemplates automatically sampling output in at least one of the leading transition period and the trailing transition period.