CA2153783A1 - Method and apparatus for preprocessing input data to a neural network - Google Patents

Abstract

A preprocessing system for preprocessing input data to a neural network includes a training system for training a model (20) on data from a data file (10). The data is first preprocessed in a preprocessor (12) to fill in bad or missing data and merge all the time values on a commmon time scale. The preprocess operation utilizes algorithms and time merging algorithms which are stored in a storage area (14). The output of the preprocessor (12) is then delayed in a delay block (16) in accordance with delay settings in storage area (18).
These delayed outputs are then utilized to train the model (20), the model parameter is then stored in a storage area (22) during run time, a distributed control system (24) outputs the data to a preprocess block (34) and then preprocesses data in accordance with the algorithms in storage area (14). These outputs are then delayed in accordance with a delay block (36) with the delay settings (18). The output of the delay block (36) comprises inputs to a run time system model (26) which is built to provide a representation of the system in accordance with the model parameters in the storage area (22). A predicted control output or predicted control inputs are then generated. The control input is input back to the DCS (24).

Description

WO 94tl7482 PCI/US94/00910 ~ 3 78~

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
PREPROCESSING INPUT DATA TO A NEURAL NETWORK

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains in general to predictive system models, and more particularly, to processing of the data so as to account for time synchronization, time-delays, transforms and variable time-delays prior to inputto a network for either trair~ing of the network or running of the network.

This application is a conlinl-~tion-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 980,664, filed November 24, 1992, and entitled "Method and Apparatus for Training and/or Testing a Neural Network on Missing and/or Incomplete Data"
and related to co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
10 filed con~ enl herewith, and entitled "A Predictive Network with Learned Preprocessing Parameters" (Atty. Docket No. PAVI-21,557).

SUBSlTrUTE SHEET (RULE 263 wo 94/17482 Pcr/uss4/ooslo 2~5~8~ --BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIVN

A common problem that is encountered in training neural networks for prediction, forecasting, pattern recognition, sensor v~li(l~*nn and/or processing problems is that some of the training/testing patterns might be mi~ing corrupted, 5 and/or incomplete. Prior systems merely discarded data with the result that some areas of the input space may not have been covered during training of the neuralnetwork. For example, if the network is utilized to learn the behavior of a chemical plant as a function of the historical sensor and control settings, these sensor re~ling~ are typically sampled electronically, entered by hand from gauge10 re~ling~ and/or entered by hand from laboratory results. It is a common occurrence that some or all of these re~ing~ may be mi~Sing at a given time. It is also common that the various values may be sampled on dirrele"t time intervals. Additionally, any one value may be "bad" in the sense that after the value is entered, it may be det~.rmined by some method that a data item was, in 15 faGt, incorrect. Hence, if the data were plotted in a table, the result would be a partially filled-in table with int~rmittent mi~sing data or "holes", these beingreminiscent of the holes in Swiss cheese. These "holes" correspond to "bad" or "mi~ing" data. The "Swiss-cheese" data table described above occurs quite often in real-world problems.

Conventional neural network training and testing methods require complete patterns such that they are required to discard patterns with mi~sing or bad data. The deletion of the oad data in this m~nner is an inefficient method for training a neural network. For example, suppose that a neural network has ten inputs and ten outputs, and also suppose that one of the inputs or outputs happens to be mi~ing at the desired time for fifty percent or more of the training patterns.
Conventional methods would discard ~ese pat~erns, le~-ling to training for thosepatterns during the training mode and no reliable predicted output during the run mode. This is inefficient, considering that for this case more than ninety percent SUBSrlTUTE SHEET (RULE 263 ~ WO 94tl7482 2 1 ~ ~ ~ 8 3 PCI'tUS94/00910 of the information is still there for the patterns that conve,lLional methods would discard. The predicted output corresponding to those certain areas will be somewhat ambiguous and erroneous. In some situations, there may be as much as a 50% reduction in the overall data after screening bad or mi~sing data.
5 Additionally, experiment~l results have shown that neural network testing performance generally increases with more training data, such that throwing away bad or incomplete data decreases the overall performance of the neural network.

In addition to the above, when data is retrieved on different time scales, it 10 is necessary to place all of the data on a common time scale. However, this is difficult in that for a given time scale, another and longer time scale results in mi.csin~ data at that posit,on. For example, if one set of data were taken on anhourly basis and another set of data were taken on a quarter hour basis, there would be three areas of mi~ing data if the input time scale is fifteen minlltes.15 This data must be filled in to assure that all data is presented at synchronized times tc ~e system model. Worse yet, the data sample periods may be non-periodic, producing totally asynchronous data.

In addition, this data may be taken on dirrelel-l machines in dirrerelll locations with dirrelelll operating systems and quite different data formats. It is 20 essential to be able to read all of these different data formats, keeping track of the data value and the time-stamp of the data out to one or more "flat ~lles" which are column oriented, each column corresponding to a data variable and/or the dataltime stamp of the variable. It is a formidable task to retrieve ~is data keeping track of the date-time information and read it into an internal data-table 25 (spreadsheet) so that the data can be time merged.

Another aspect of data integrity is that with respect to inherent delays in a system. For example, in a chemical processing system, a flow meter output can p~ovide data at time to at a given value. However, a given change in flow SUBSmU~E SHEET (RULE 263 WO g4/17482 PCr/us94/ooslo ?~ L537 ~3 resllltin~ in a different reading on the flow meter may not affect the output for a predet~nnined delay r. In order to predict what the output would be, this flow meter output must be input ~o the network at a delay equal to ~. This must also be accounted for in the training of the network. In generat ng data that accounts 5 for time delays, it has been postulated that it would be possible to generate a table of data that comprises both original data and delayed data. This necessit~tes a significant amount of storage in order to store all of the delayed data and all of the original data, wherein only the delayed data is utilized.
Further, in order to change the value of the delay, an entirely new set of input10 data must be generated off the original set.

SUBSmUlE SHEEr ~RULE 26 ~ WO 94tl7482 2 ~ 5 3 7 ~ 3 PCTtUS94tOO910 SU~IMARY OF THE INVENTION
.

The present invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises a data preprocessor for preprocessing input data prior to input to a system model. The preprocessor includes an input buffer for receiving and storing the input data, the S input data being on dirre~ell~ time scales. A time merge device is operable toselect a predele~ ed time scale and reconcile the input data so that all of the input data is on the same time scale. An output device outputs the reconciled data from the time merge device as reconciled data, the reconciled data comprising the input data to the system model.

In another aspect of the present invention, a pre-time merge processor is provided. The pre-time merge processor is operable to apply a predet~rrnined algolil~ to the input data prior to input to the time merge device. A post-time merge processor is also provided, which is part of the output device. The post-time merge processor is operable to apply a prede(~ ed algolil~llll to the data 15 reconciled by the time merge device prior to output as the reconciled data. The predelr....;..ed algorithms are extern~lly input and stored in a preprocessor memory such that the sequence in which the prede~ ed algolilhllls were applied is also stored.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, The system model l~tili7es a 20 non-linear network having a set of model parameters associated therewith thatdefine the representation of the network, the model parameters operable to be trained on a set of training data that is received from a run-time system such that the system model is trained to represent the run-time system. The input data comprises a set of target output data representing the output of the system and the 25 set of measured input data representing the system variables. The target data and system variables are reconciled by the preprocessor and then input to the network. A trair~ing device is operable to train the non-linear network according SUBSrlTlJ~E SHEET (RULE 263 wo g4/17482 PCT/USg4/00910 8 ~ --to a prede~ ed training algo~ , such that the values of the model parameters are changed until the network comprises a stored representation of the run-time system.

In a yet fu~er aspect of the present invention, the input data is comprised 5 of a plurality of system input variables, each of the system input variables comprising an associated set of data. A delay device is provided that is operable to provide at least select ones of the input variables after preprocessing by the preprocessor and introducing a pred~lell~ led amouIlt of delay therein to ou~put a delayed input variable. This delayed input variable is input to the system model.
10 Further, this predetçrmined delay is d~l~lmilled external to the delay device.

SUBSmUrE SHEET (RULE 26~

~ 2I~37~3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete underst~n~ling Gf the present invention and the adv~nt~g~s thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the acco",pal,ying Drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 illustrates an overall block diagram of the system for both preprocessing data during the training mode and for preprocessing data during the run mode;
FIGURE la illustrates a simplified block diagram of the systém of FIGURE l;
FIGURE 2 illustrates a detailed block diagram of the preprocessor in the training mode;
FIGURE 3 illustrates a simplified block diagram of the time merging operation, which is part of the preprocessing operation;
FIGUREs 4a and 4b illustrate data blocks of the before and after time merging operation;
FIGUREs Sa-Sc illustrate a diagr~mm~tic view of the time merging operation;
FIGURE 6 illustrates a flowchart depicting the preprocessing operation;
FIGUREs 7a-7f illustrate the use of graphical tools for cleaning up the "raw" data;
FIGURE 8 illustrates the display for the algorithm selection operation;
FIGURE 9 illustrates a block diagram of a plan depicting the various places in the process flow that parameters occur relative to the plant output;
FIGURE 10 illustrates a diagr~mm~tic view of the relationship between the various plant parameters and the plant output;
FIGURE 11 illustrates a diagr~mm~tic view of the delay provided for input data p~ltern~;

SUBSmL~ SHEET (RULE 263 WO94117482 21~3~3 8 Pcr/usg4/ooslo~

FIGURE 12 illustrates a diagr~mm~hc view of the buffer formation for each of the network inputs and the method for generating the delayed network input;
FIGURE 13 illustrates the display for selection of the delays associated 5 with various inputs and outputs in the neural network model;
FIGURE 14 illustrates a block diagram for a variable delay selection;
FIGURE 15a illustrates a block diagram of the adaptive determination of the delay;
FIGURE 15b illustrates examples of the time-delay fimctions used in l o adaptive or variable time-delay modes;
FIGURE 16 illustrates a diagr~mm~tic view of a conventional multi-layer neural network;
FIGURE 17 illustrates a flowchart depicting the time delay operation;
FIGURE 18 illustrates a flowchart depicting the run mode operation;
1~ FIGURE 19 illustrates a flowchart for setting the value of the variable delay; and FIGURE 20 illustrates a block diagram of the interface of the run time preprocessor with a distributed conhrol system.

YJ9SIITUTE SHEET tRULE 263 WO 94J17482 . PCI/US94/00910 ~ 3 7 ~ 3 DETAII,ED DESCRIPTION QF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGURE 1, there is illustrated an overall block diagrarn of the ~ata preprocessing operation in both the training mode and the run time mode. In the training mode, one of more data files 10 are provided, which data 5 files incl~l~e both input training data and output training data. The training data is arranged in "sets", which sets correspond to different plant variables, and which may be sampled at dirrelellL time intervals. This data is referred to as the "raw" data. When the data is initially presented to an operator, the data is typically unformatted, i.e., each set of data is in the form that it was originally 10 received. Although not shown, the operator will first format the data files so that all of the data files can be merged into a data-table or spreadsheet, keeping track of the original "raw" time inforrnation. This is done in such a m~nner as to keep track of the time stamp for each variable. Thus, the "raw" data is org~ni7e~ as time, value pairs of columns; that is, for each variable xi, there is its associated 15 time of sample tj. The data can then be grouped into sets ~xi, t;}.

If any of the tirne-vectors happen to be identical, it is convenient to arrange the data such that the data will be grouped in common time scale groups,and data that is on, for example, a fifteen minute sample time scale will be grouped together and data sampled on a one hour sample time scale will be 20 grouped together. However, any type of format that provides viewing of multiple sets of data is acceptable.

The data is input to a preprocessor 12 that functions to perform various preprocessing functions, such as reading bad data, reconciling data to fill in bad or mi~sing data, and performing various algorithmic or logic functions on the 25 data. Additionally, the preprocessor 12 is operable to perform a time mergingoperation, as will be described hereinbelow. During operation, the preprocessor 12 is operable to store various preprocessing algo~ s in a given sequence in a SUBSrmJlE SHEET (RULE 263 :: ~

WO 94117482 . . PCT/US94/00910 2~37~ lo storage area 14. As will be described hereinbelow, the sequence defines the way in which the data is manipulated in order to provide the overall preprocessing operation.

After preprocessing by the preprocessor 12, the preprocessed data is input 5 to a delay block 16, the delay block 16 operable to set the various delays fordifferent sets of data. This operation can be performed on both the target output data and the input training data. The delay settings are stored in a storage area 18 after det~rmin~tion thereof.

The output of the delay block 16 is input to a training model 20. The l o training model 20 is a non-linear model that receives input data and compares it with target output data and trains the network ~o generate a model for predicting the target output data from the input data. In the preferred embo(liment the training model utilizes a multi-layered neural network that is trained on one ofmultiple methods, one being Back Propagation. Various weights within the 15 network are set during the Back Propagation training operation, and these arestored as model parameters in a storage area 22. The training operation and the neural network are conventional systems.

A Distributed Control System (DCS) 24 is provided that is operable to generate various system measurements and control settings representing system 20 variables such as temperature, flow rates, etc., that comprise the input data to a system model. The system model can either generate control inputs for control ofthe DCS 24 or it can provide a predicted output, these being conventional operations. This is provided by a run time system model 26, which has an output 28 and an input 30. The input 30 is comprised of the preprocessed and delayed 25 data and the output can either be a predictive output, or a control input to the DCS 24. In the embodiment of FIGURE 1, this is illustrated as control inputs to the DCS 24. The run time system model 26 is ~ltili7in~ the model parameters stored in the storage area 22. It should be noted that ~e run time system model SU~SlTrU~E SHEET (RULE 2~

WO gU17482 PCTIUS94/00910 21~378~

26 contains a representation lea~ed during the training operation, which representation was learned on the preprocessed data. Therefore, data generated by the DCS 24 must be preprocessed in order to correlate with the representationstored in the run time system model 26.

The DCS 24 has the data output thereof input to a run time preprocess block 34, which is operable to process the data in accordance with the sequence of preprocessing algorithms stored in the storage area 14, which were generated during the training operation. The output of the run time preprocessor 34 is input to a run time delay box 36 to set delays on the data in accordance with the delay settings stored in the storage area 18. This provides the overall preprocessed data output on the line 34 input to the run time system model 26.

Referring now to FIGURE la, there is illustrated a simplified block diagram of the system of FIGURE 1, wherein a single preprocessor 34' and a single delay 36' are l-tili7ed The output of the delay 36' is input to a single system model 26'. In operation, the preprocessor 34', the delay 36' and the system model 26' operate in both a training mode and a run-time mode. A
multiplexer 35 is provided that receives the output from the data file(s) 10 andthe output of the DCS 24, this providing plant variables of the DCS 24, the output of the multiplexer input to the preprocessor 34'. A control device 37 is provided that controls the multiplexer 35 to select either a training mode or a run-time mode. In the training mode, the data file(s) 10 has the output thereof selected by a multiplexer and the preprocessor 34' is operable to preprocess the data in accordance with a training mode, i.e., the preprocessor 34' is utilized to dele~ e what the predelelll~illed algorithm sequence is that is stored in the storage area - 25 14. An input/output device I/O 41 is provided for allowing the operator to interface with the control device 37. The delay 36' is also controlled by the control device 37 to del~ e the delay settings for storage in the storage area 18. The system model 26' is operated in a training mode such that the target data and the input data to the system model 26' are generated, the training controlled SUBSlTrUTE SHEET (RULE 263 WO 94/17482 2 1 ~ 3 7 8 ~ PCI'IUS94/00910 ~

by ~ining block 39. The training block 39 is operable to select one of multiple traiI~ng algoliLl,-ns, such as back propagation, for training of the system model ~6'. The model parameters are stored in the storage area 22.

After training, the control device 37 places the system in a run-time mode 5 such that the preprocessor 34' is now operable to apply the algo~ m sequence in the storage area 14 to the data selected by the multiplexer 35 from the DCS 24.
After the algoliLhlll sequence is applied, the data is output to the delay block 36', which introduces the various delays in the storage area 18, and then these are input to the system model 26' which then operates in a predictive mode to eitherl o predict an output or to predict control inputs for the DCS 24.

Referring now to FIGURE 2, there is illustrated a more detailed block diagram of the preprocessor 12 lltili7~1 during the trair~ing mode. In general, there are three stages to the preprocessing operation. The central operation is a time merge operation, represented by block 40. However, prior to performing a 15 time merge operation on the data, a pre-time merge process is performed, as indicated by block 42. After the time merge operation, the data is subjected to a post-time merge process, as indicated by block 44. The output of the post-time merge process block 44 provides the preprocessed data for input to the delay block 16.

A controller 46 is provided for controlling the process operation of the blocks 40-44, the ouL~uL~ of which are input to the controller 46 on lines 48. The controller 46 is interfaced with a functional algo~ storage area 50 through a bus 52 and a time merge algoliLllm 54 through a bus 56. The functional algoliLl~ storage area 50 is operable to store various functional algorithms that can be m~them~tical, logical, etc., as will be described hereinbelow. The time merge aigoliLll~-l storage area 54 is operable to contain various time merge formats that can be utilized, such as extrapolation, interpolation or a boxcar method. A process sequence storage area 58 is provided that is operable to store SlJ~8Sml~ SHEET (RULE 263 2~37~3 WO 94/17482 . 13 P(~/US94/0091-the seq~nce of the various prosesses that are del~l . "i l~ed during the trainingmode, these interfaced with a bi-directional bus 60. During the training mode, the controller 46 determines which of the functional algo~ ls are to be applied to the data and which of the time merge algorithms ale to be applied to the data in S acco~ ce with instructions received from an operator input through an inputloutput device 62. During the run time mode, the process sequence in the storage area 58 is ~ltili7e~1 to apply the various functional algorithms and time merge algolilLllls to input data.

Referring now to FIGURE 3, there is illustrated a simplified block 0 diagram of a time merge operation. All of the input data XD(t) iS input to the time merge block 40 to provide time merge data xD'(t) on the output thereof. Althoughnot shown, the output target data y(t) is also processed through the time merge block 40 to generate time merged output data y'(t).

Referring now to FIGUREs 4a and 4b, there are illustrated data blocks of lS one input data set xl(t) and the resulting time merged output xl'(t). It can be seen that the waveform associated with xl(t) has only a certain number, n, of sample points associated therewith. The time-merge operation is a transform that takes one or more columns of data, xj(ti), such as that shown in FIGURE 4a, with ni time samples at times t;'. That is, the time-merge operation is a function, Q, that 20 produces a new set of data {x'~ on a new time sale t' from the given set of data x(t) sampled at t.

- {~f/jt/} Q {~,~1 (1) This function is done via a variety of conventional extrapolation, interpolation, or box-car algorithms and is represented as a C-l~n~l~ge callable function as:

return tlme-merge (xl~ X2 ~ Xk~ ) (2) SUBSlTrUTE SHEET (RULE 263 WO 9411~112 2 1 ~ 3 7 ~ :~ 14 PCr/US94/~0910 where xl, ti are vectors of the old values and old times; x;'. . . Xk' are vectors of the new values; and t' is the new time-scale vector.

Referring now to FIGURE 5a, there is illustrated a data table with bad, mi~cin~, or incomplete data. The data table consists of data with time disposed along a vertical scale and the samples disposed along a horizontal scale. Each sample comprises many dir~ pieces of data with two data intervals illustrated. It can be seen that when the data is ex~mined for both the data sampled at the time interval " 1" and the data sampled at the time interval "2", that 10 some portions of the data result in incomplete patterns. This is illustrated by a dotted line 63, where it can be seen that some data is mi~sing in the data sampled at time interval " 1 " and some is mi~sing in time interval "2". A complete neural network pattern is illustrated box 64, where all the data is complete. Of interest is the time difference between the data sampled at time interval " 1" and the data 15 sampled at time interval "2". In time interval " 1", the data is essentially present for all steps in time, whereas data sampled at time interval "2" is only sampledperiodically relative to data sampled at time interval "1". As such, a data reconciliation procedure is implementç~l that fills in the mi~sing data and alsoreconciles between the time samples in time interval "2" such that the data is 20 complete for all time samples for both time interval " 1" and time interval "2".

The neural network models that are ~ e~l for time-series prediction and control require that the time-interval between successive training patterns be constant. Since the data that comes in from real-world systems is not always on the same time scale, it is desirable to time-merge the data before it can be used 25 for training or running the neural network model. To achieve this time-merge operation, it may be necessary to extrapolate, interpolate, average or compress the data in each column over each ~ime-region so as to give an input value x'(t)that is on the app~ iate time-scale. ~11 of these are referred to as "data reconciliation". The reconciliation algolilhlll utilized may include line~r 30 es*m~tes7 spline-fit, boxcar algorithms, etc. If ~e data is sampled too frequently SUBSlTlU~ SHEET (RULE 26~

094~ ~53'783 PC'r/US94/00910 in the ~me-interval, it will be necessary to smlooth or average the data to get a sample on the desired time scale. This can be done by window averaging techniques, sparse-sample techniques or spline techniques.

In general, x'(t) is a function of all of the raw values x(t) given at present 5 and past times up to some m~ximllm past time, Xmax. That is, X ( t ) f ( Xl ( tN) I X2 ( tN) ~ Xn ( tN); Xl ( tN ~ 1 ( N - 2 ) 1 ( N-l); Xl ( tl) ~ X2 ( tl) Xn ( tl) ) (3 where some of the values of xi(tj) may be mi.c~ing or bad.

This method of fin~ling x'~t) using past values is strictly extrapolation.
Since the system only has past values available du.~ing runtime mode, the valuesmust be reconciled. The simplest method of doing this is to take the next l o extrapolated value x'i(t) = xi(tN); that is, take the last value that was reported.
More elaborate extrapolation algo~ lls may use past values xi(t-~ t(o, ...
im~ For example, linear extrapolation would use:

Xi ( t) Xi ( tN - 1) Xf ( tN) Xl ( N-l) t ; t > t~ (4) Polynomial, spline-fit or neural-network extrapolation techniques use Equation 3.
(See eg. W.H. Press, "Numerical Recipes", Cambridge University Press (1986), pp. 77-101) Training of the neural net would actually use interpolated values, - i.e., Equation 4, wherein the case of interpolation tN>t.

Referring now to FIGURE 5b, there is illustrated an input data pattern and target output data pattern illustrating the pre-process operation for both preprocessing input data to provide time merged output data and also pre-SUBSITIUTE SHEET (RULE 26~

WO 94/17482 PCI'/US94/00910 37 ~ 16 processing the target OUtp1lt data to provide pre-processed target output data for training purposes. The data input x(t) is comprised of a vector with many inputs, xl(t~, x2(t), ... xn(t), each of which can be on a different time scale. It is desirable that the output x'(t) be extrapolated or interpolated to insure that all data ispresent on a single time scale. For example, if the data at xl(t) were on a timescale of one sample every second, a sample represented by the time tk, and the output time scale were desired to be the same, this would require time merging the rest of the data to that time scale. It can be seen that the data x2(t) occurs approximately once every three seconds, it also being noted that this may be 10 asynchronous data, although it is illustrated as being synchlol~i~d. The databuffer in FIGURE 4b is illustrated in actual time. The reconciliation could be as simple as holding the last value of the input x2(t) until a new value is input theretc, and then discarding the old value. In this m~nner, an output will always exist. This would also be the case for mi~sing data. However, a reconciliation 15 routine as described above could also be ~lhli7e~ to insure that data is always on the output for each time slice of the vector x'(t). This also is the case with respect to the target output which is preprocessed to provide the preprocessed target output y'(t).

Referring now to FIGURE 5c, there is illustrated the plefelled 20 embodiment of performing the time merge. Illustrated are two form~tted tables, one for two sets of data xl(t) and x2(t). This is set up such that the data set for xl(t) is illustrated as being on one time scale and the data x2(t) is on a different time scale. Additionally, one value of the data set x,(t) is illustrated as being bad, which piece of bad data is "cut" from the data set, as will be described 25 hereinbelow. The operation in the preprocessing mode fills in this bad data and then time merges it. In this example, the time scale for xl(t) is utilized as a time scale for the time merge data such that the time merge data x,'(t) is on the same tirne scale with the "cut" value filled in as a result of the preprocessing operation and the data set x2(t) is processed in accordarlce with one of the time merged 9JBSrlTU~ SHEET (RULE 26~

wos4l74a~ 2~S37,~3 Pcr~uss4/onslo algolill~s to provide data for x~'(t) and on the same time scale as the data x~'(t).
These al~oliLl~lls will be described in more detail hereinbelow.

Referring now to FIGURE 6, there is illustrated a flowchart depicting the preprocPs~ing operation. The flow chart is initiated at a start block 70 and then 5 proceeds to a decision block 72 to det~rmine if there are any pre-time merge process operations. If so, the program flows to a decision block 74 to dele"~,i"e whether there are any m~nll~l preprocess operations to be performed. If so, the program flows along the "Y" path to a function block 76 to m~ml~lly preprocess the data. In m~nl1~l preprocessing of data, the data is viewed in a desired format 10 by the operator and the operator can look at the data and elimin~te, "cut" orotherwise modify obviously bad data values. This is to be compared to the automatic operation wherein all values are subjected to a prede~el l~ ,ed algoli~ l to process the data. For example, if the operator noticed that one data value is significantly out of range with the normal behavior of the rem~ining data, 15 this data value can be "cut" such that it is no longer present in the data set and thereafter appears as mi~ing data. However, an algoliLl~ could be generated that either cuts out all data above a certain value or clips the values to a predel~, l.lil-ed m~x;llllllll The clipping to a predeL~ ed m~x;",lli~, is an algolil~l..lic operation that is described hereinbelow.

After displaying and proces~ing the data m~n~l~lly, the program flows to a decision block 78. Additionally, if the m~nll~l preprocess operation is not utilized, the program flows from the decision block 74 along the "N" path to theinput of decision block 78. The decision block 78is operable to det~rmine whether an algo,iLL--lic process is to be applied to the data. If so, he program- 25 flows along a "Y" block to a function block 80 to select a particular algorithmic process for a given set of data. After selecting the algo.illl-- ic process, theprogram flows to a function block 82 to apply the algo,i~-,l. process to the data and then to a decision block 84 to det~rmine if more data is to be processed with ~healgo~m~cprocess. Now ~leprogr ~ flows bac~ aroundtothe ~putofthe SlESrmnE SHEET ~ULE 263 WO 94117~ 2 1 ~ 3 7 ~ 3 PCT/lUS94/00910 ~

function block 80 along a "Y" path. Once all data has been subjected to the desired algoliLllll ic processes, the program flows along a "N" path from decision block 84 to a function block 86 to store the sequence of algoliL~Illlic processes such that each data set has the desired algorithmic processes applied thereto in5 the sequence. Additionally, if the algorithmic process is not selected by the decision block 78, the program flows along an "N" path to the input of the function block 86.

After the sequence is stored in the fimction block 86, the program flows to a decision block 88 to det~rrnine if a time merge operation is to be performed.
10 The program also flows along an "N" path from the decision block 72 to the input of decision block 88 if the pre-time-merge process is not required. The program flows from the decision block 88 along the "Y" path to a function block 92 if the time merge prccess has been selected, and then the time merge operation performed. The time merge process is then stored with the sequence as part 15 thereof. The program then flows to the input of a decision block 96 to det~rmine whether the post time merge process is to be performed. If the post time merge process is not performed, as del~ ~ined by thé decision block 88, the program flows along the "N" path thelcrlolll to the decision block 96. If the post time merge process is to be performed, the program flows along the "Y" path from the 20 decision block 96 to t~e input of a function block 98 to select the algorithmic process and then to a function block 100 to apply the algoliLllnlic process to the desired set of data and then to a decision block 102 to deLe""il~e whether additional sets of data are to be processed in accordance with the algoliLlllllic process. If so, the program flows along the "Y" path back to the input of function 25 block 98, and if not, the program flows along the "N" path to a function block 104 to store the new sequence of algoliLl.,llic processes with the sequence and then to a DONE block 106. If the post time merge process is not to be performed, the program flows from the decisicn block 96 along the "N" path to the input of the DONE block 106.

SUBSITllJ~ SHEET (RULE 263 W0 94~17482 ~ PCT/US94/00910 Referring now to FIGUREs 7a-7f, the.e are illustrated three plots of data, one for an input "temp 1", one for an input "press2" and one for an output "ppm" .
The first input relates to a temperature me~llrement, the second input relates to a pressure measurement and the output data corresponds to a parts per million 5 variations. In the first data set, the temp 1 data, there are two points of data 108 and 110, which need to be "cut" from the data, as they are obviously bad data points. These will appear as cut data in the data-set which then must be filled in by the a~lo~liate time merge operation lltili7.ing extrapolation, interpolation, etc.
techniques. FIGURE 7a shows the raw data. FIGURE 7b shows the use of the cut data region tool 115. FIGURE 7b shows the points 108 and 110 hignlighted by dots showing them as cut data points. On a color screen, these dotes appear as red. FIGURE 7d shows a vertical cut of the data, cutting across several variables ~imlllt~neously. Applying this causes all of the data points to be marked as cut, as shown in FIGURE 7e. FIGURE 7f shows a flowchart of the steps involved in 15 cutting or otherwise modifying the data. Additionally, a region of data could be selected, which is illustrated by a set of boundaries 1 i2, which results are utilized to block out data. For example, if it were det~rrnined that data during a certain time period was invalid due to various reasons, this data could be removed from the data sets, with the subsequent preprocessing operable to fill in the "blocked"
20 or "cut" data.

In the preferred embo-liment the data is displayed as illustrated in FIGUREs 7a-7f, and the operator allowed to select various processing techniques to manipulate the data via various cutting, clipping and viewing tools 109, 111,113, that allow the user to select data items to cut, clip, transform or otherwise 25 modify. In one mode, the mode for removing data, this is referred to as a manual - manipulation of the data. However, algorithms can be applied to the data to change the value of that data. Each time the data is changed, it is re~l~lged inthe spreadsheet format of the data. As this operation is being performed, the operator can view the new data.

9JE~ITIUTE SHEET (RULE 263 WO 94117482 ~ 3 ~ 3 . PCTIUS94/00910 With the provisions of the various clipping and viewing tools 109, 111 and 113, the user is provided the ability to utilize a graphic image of data in a ~l~t~b~se, manipulate the data on a display in accordance with the selection of the various cutting tools and modify the stored data in accordance with these 5 manipulations. For example, a tool could be lltili7~l to manipulate multiple variables over a given time range to delete all of that data from the input database and reflect it as "cut" data. This would act similar to a situation wherein a certain place in the data set had mi~sing data, which would require a data reconciliation scheme in order to reproduce this data in the input data stream. Additionally, the 10 data can be "clipped"; that is, a graphical tool can be utilized to deLe~ e the level at which all data above that level is modified to. All data in the data set, even data not displayed, can then be modified to this level. This in effect constitutes applying an algo,iLllll, to that data set.

In FIGURE 7f, the flowchart depicts the operation of l~tili7.ing the 15 graphical tools for cutting data. An initiation block, block 1117, indicates the acquisition of the data set. The program then flows to a decision block 119 to del~""il~e if the variables have been selected and manipulated for display. If not, the program flows along an "N" path to a function block 121 to select the display type and then to a function block 123 to display the data in the desired format.20 The program then flows to a decision block 125 to indicate the operation wherein the tools for modifying the data are selected. When this is done, the program flows along a "DONE" line back to the output of decision block 119 to determine if all of the variables have been selected. However, if the data is still in themodification stage, the program flows to a decision block 127 to delel ~ e if an25 operation is cancelled and, if so, flows back around to the input of decision block 125. If the operation is not cancelled, the program flows along an "N" path to afunction block 129 to apply the algorithmic transformation to the data and then to a function block 131 to store the transform as part of a sequence. The program then flows back to the input of function block 123. This continl~es until the Sl,'BS~U~ SHEET (RUEE 26~

~ wo94n7482 ~ 3 Pcr/usg~moglo program flows along the "DON~" path from decision block 125 back to the input of decision block 119.

Once all the variables have been selected and displayed, the program flows from decision block 119 along a "Y" path to the input of a decision block 5 133 to deL~llnine if the transformed data is to be saved. If not, the program flows along an "N" path to a "DONE" block 135 and, if not, the program flows from the decision block 133 along the "Y" path to a function block 137 to transform the data set and then to the "DONE" block 135.

Referring now to FIGURE 8, there is illustrated a diagr~mm~tic view of 10 the display for performing the algorithmic functions on the data. The operator merely has to select this display, which display is comprised of a ~lrst numerical template 114, that provides a numerical keypad function. A window 116 is provided that displays the variable that is being operated on. The variables that are available are illustrated in a window 118 which illustrates the various 15 variables. In this example, the various variables are arranged in groups, onegroup illustrating a first date and time and a second group illustrated by a second date and time. This is prior to time merging. The illustrated window 118 has thevariables templ and pressl and the variable press2, it being noted that press2 is on a different time scale than templ. A m~them~tical operator window 120 is 20 provided that provides the various mathematical operators such as "+", "-", etc.
Various logical operators are also available in the window 120. A function window 122 is provided that allows selection of various mathematical functions, logical functions, etc.

- In the example illustrated in FIGURE 8, the variable templ is selected to 25 be processed and provide the loga~ ic function thereof. In this manner, the variable templ is first selected from window 118 and then the loga~ ic function "LOG" is selected from the window 122. The left parentheses is then selected, followed by ~e selection of the variable templ from window 118 and SU8Srrrl~E SHEET (RULE 26 wo 94/~7482 ~ 7 ~ 3 ~2 PCI'/US94/0091 then followed by the selection of the right parentheses from window 120. This results in the selection of an algo-iLlul-ic process which comprises a lo~ of the variable temp 1. This is then stored as a sequence, such that upon running the data through the run time sequence, data associated with the variable temp 1 has5 the log~iLl~ ic function applied thereto prior to inl?ulLillg to the run time system model 26. This operation can be contin~erl for each operation.

After the data has been m~nll~lly preprocessed as described above with reference to FIGUREs 7a-7f, the resl-lt~nt data would be as depicted in Table 1.It can be seen in Table 1 that there is a time scale difference, one group beinglO illustrated with respect to the time TIME_l and one group associated with thecolumn TIME_2. It can be seen that the first time scale is on an hourly intervaland that the second time scale is on a two hour interval. Although "cut" data isnot illustrated, it would appear as mi~sing data.

l 5 N~me DATE TIME_1 templ pre~1 DATE_ TIME_2 nOwl temp2 Row Col I Col 2 Col 3 Col 4 Col 5 Col6 Col 7 Col 8 36 1/2192 12:00:59 81.87 1552.80 113192 23:00:59 121 1.00 276.95 37 112192 13:00:59 58.95 1489.19 114192 01:00:59 1210.90 274.44 38 112192 14:00:59 83.72 1558.00 114192 3:00:591 1211.09 277.38 39 112192 15:00:59 53.72 1474.40 114192 5:01:00 1210.69 274.01 After the data has been m~nll~lly preprocessed, the algo-illll-~ic processes are applied thereto. In the exarnple described above with reference to FIGURE 8,the variable templ was processed by taking a log~il~ thereof. This would result in a variation of the set of data associated with the variable temp 1. This is 25 illustrated in Table 2.

SUBSlTrLlTE SHEET (RULE 263 ~s3783 WO 94tl7482 23 P~r/lUS94100910 Name DAl~E_l TI~IE_ templ pressl DATE_ TI~IE_2 flowl temp2 Row Col l Coi2 Col 3 Col4 Col 5 Col6 Col7 Col 8 36 1l2/92 12:00:5 1.91 1552.8 113192 23:00:59 1211.0 276.95 37 112192 13:00:5 1.77 1489.1 1l4l92 01:00:59 1210.9 274.44 38 112192 14:00:5 1.92 1558.0 114192 3:00:591 1211.0 277.38 39 112/92 15:00:5 1.73 1474.4 1/4l92 5:01:00 1210.6 274.01 The sequence of operation associated therewith would de~me the data that was cut out of the original data set for data templ and also the algo~ lic processes10 associated thel~willl, these being in a sequence which is stored in the sequence block 14 and which may be ex~mined via the data-column properties module 113, shown as follows:

markcut(templ, 1, 2068, 920.844325, 16000000000000000000000.000000) markcut(templ, 1, 58, 73, -160000000000000000000.000000, $10g(temp 1) To perform the time merge, the operator selects the time merge function 115, illustrated in FIGUREs 7a-7f, and specifies the time scale and type of time merge 20 algorithm. In the present case, a one-hour time-scale was selected and the box-car algorithm of merging was used.

After time merge, the time scale is disposed on an hourly interval with the timemerge process. This is illustrated in Table 3, wherein all of the data is now on a common SUBSrllUlE SHEET (RULE 26~

wo 94~17482 . . PcTrus94100910 2 ~ 3 ~

time scale and the cut data has been extrapolated to insert new data therefor. This is illustraTed in Table 3.

Name Date time templ pre~1 flowl temp2 pre~s2 flow2 Row Col I Col2 Col3 Col4 Col 5 Col6 Col7 36 112/92 12:00:0 1.87 1530.0 1211.69 274.50 2160.0 533.2 O O O
37 112192 13:00:0 1.87 1530.0 1211.69 274.50 2160.0 533.29 O O O
38 112192 14:00:0 1.87 1530.0 1211.69 274.50 2160.0 533.29 O O O
39 112192 15:00:0 1.87 1530.0 1211.69 274.50 2160.0 533.29 O O O
10 The sequence after time merge will include the data tha~ is cut from the original data sets, the algo~ ic processes ~ltili?~e~l during the pre-time merge processing and the time merge data. This is illustrated as follows:

markcut(templ, 1, 2068,938.633160,1600000000000000000000.000000) markcut(temp 1, 5 7,71, - 16000000000000000000000.000000, $10g(temp 1 ) tmerge(templ, time, O, 1666666663417741312.000000) After the time merge operation, additional processing can be lltili7e-1 To perform this, the display of FIGURE 8 is again pulled up, and the algo~ ic 20 process selected. One example would be to take the variable temp 1 after timemerge and add a value of 5000 to this variable. This would result in each value in the column associated with the variable temp 1 being increased by that value.This would result in the data in Table 4.

Sle~nTUnE SHEET ~ULE 263 ~ wo 94~17482 1s3 78~ ~/US94/009l0 Name Date time templ pre~l flowl temp2 pre~s2 flow2 Row Col I Col 2 Col 3 Col 4 Col 5 Col6 Col 7 36 1/2192 12:00:00 5001. 1530.0 1211.69 274.50 2160.00 533.29 37 1/2/92 13:00:00 5001. 1530.0 1211.69 274.50 2160.00 533.29 38 112/92 14:00:00 5001. 1530.0 1211.69 274.50 2160.00 533.29 39 1/2/92 15:00:00 5001. 1530.0 1211.69 274.50 2160.~0 533.29 The sequence would then be updated with the f~llowing c~ e:
markcut(templ, 1, 2068, 938.633160, o 16000000000000000000000.000000) markcut(temp 1, 57, 71, - 1600000000000000000000.000000, 1600000000000000000000) $1Og(templ) tmerge (templ, time, 0, 16666666663417741312.0000000) templ+5000 Referring now to FIGURE 9, there is illustrated a block diagram of the process flow through a plant. There is a general flow input to the plant which is monitored at some point by flow meter 130, the flow meter 130 providing a variable output flowl. The flow continlles to a process block 132, wherein various plant processes are carried out. The various plant inputs are provided to this process block. The process then flows to a temperature gauge 134 to output a variable templ. The process then flows to a process block 136 to perform otherplant processes, these also receiving plant inputs. The process then flows to a pressure gauge 138, this outputting a variable pressl. The process continues with various other process blocks 140 and other parameter mea~llrement blocks 140.
This results in an overall plant output 142 which is the desired plant output. It can be seen that numerous processes occur between the output of parameter flowl and the plant output 142. Additionally, other plant outputs such as press 1 Slnæ;nrUnE SHEET ~ULE 26~ -7 ~ ~ ~

and temp 1 occur at different stages in the process. This results in delays between a measured parameter and an effect on the plant output.

Referring now to FIGURE 10, there is illustrated a timing diagram illustrating the various effects of the output variables from the plant and the plant 5 output. The output variable flowl experiences a change at a point 144.
Similarly, the output variable templ experiences a change at a point 146 and thevariable press 1 experiences a change at a point 148. However, the correspondingchange in the output is not time synchronous with the changes in the variables.
Referring to the diagram labelled OUTPUT, changes in the plant output occur at 0 points 150, 152 and 154, for the respective changes in the variables at points 144-148, respectively. The change between points 144 and 150 and the variable flowl and the output, respectively, experience a delay D2. The change in the output of point 152 associated with the change in the variable templ occurs after delay D3. Similarly, the change in the output of point 154 associated with the 15 change in the variable pressl occurs after a delay of D1. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, these delays are accounted for during training,and, subseguently, during the run time operation, these delays are also accounted for.

Referring now to FIGURE 11, there is illustrated a diagr~mm~tic view of 20 the delay for a given input variable xl(t). It can be seen that a delay D is introduced to the system to provide an output xlD(t) such that xlD(t) = xl (t - D), this output is then input to the network. As such, the measured plant variables now coincide in time with the actual effect that is realized in the measured output such that, during training, a system model can be trained with a more accurate 25 representation of the system.

Referring now to FIGURE 12, there is illustrated a diagr~mm~tic view of the method of the preferred embodiment for implementing the delay. Rather than provide an additional set of data for each delay that is desired, x(t+r), variable SUBSlTrU~E SHEET (RULE 263 WO94/1748Z , 2~S~78~ PCTIUS94/00910 ~ength buffers are provided in each data set after preprocessing, the length of which corresponds to the longest delay. Multiple taps are provided in each of the buffers to allow various delays to be selected. In FIGURE 12, there are illustrated four buffers 156, 158, 160 and 162, associated with the preprocessed5 inputs xl'(t), x,'(t), x3'(t) and xr'(t). Each of the buffers has a length of N, such that the first buffer outputs the delay input x~D(t), the second buffer 158 outputs the delay input x2D(t) and the buffer 160 outputs the delay input x3D(t). The buffer162, on the other hand, has a delay tap that provides for a delay of "n-l" to provide an output x4D(t). An output x5D(t) is provided by selecting the first tap in 10 the buffer 156 such that the relationship x5D(t) = xl'(t+l). Additionally, the de~ayed input x6D(t) is provided which is selected as a tap output of the buffer 160 with a value of ~ = 2. This results in the overall delay inputs to the training model 20. Additionally, these delays are stored as delay settings for use duringthe run time.

Referring now to FIGURE 13, three is illustrated a display that is provided to the operator for selecting the various delays to be applied to the input variables and the output variables utilized in training. In this example, it can be seen that by selecting a delay for the variable templ of -4.0, -3.50 and -3.00, three separate input variables have not been selected for inpllt to the training model 20.
20 Additionally, three sepal~le outputs have been selected, one for delay 0.00, one for a delay 0.50 and one for a delay of 1.00 to predict present and future values of the variable. Each of these can be processed to vary the absolute value of the delays associated with the input variables. It can therefor be seen that a m;lxi~ buffer of -4.0 for an output of 0.00 will be needed in order to provide 25 for the multiple taps. Fur~er, it can be see that it is not necessary to completely - replicate the data in any of the delayed variable columns as a separate column, thus increasing the amount of memory utili7.ç~

Referring now to FIGURE 14, there is illustrated a block diagram for generating process dependent delays. A buffer 170 is illustrated having a length SUBSmlJlE SHEET (RULE 263 WO 94~174B2 ' PCI'IUS94100910 ~537~3 of ~, which receives an ir put variable xn'(t) from the preprocessor 12 to provide on the output thereof an output x~D(t) as a delayed input to the training model 20.
A multiplexer 172 is provided which has multiple inputs, one from each of the n buffer registers with a ~-select circuit 174 provided for selecting which of the5 taps to output. The value of ~ is a function of other variables parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow rates, etc. For example, it may have been noted empirically that the delays are a function of temperature. As such, the temperature relationship could be placed in the block 74 and then the external parameters input and the value of ~ utilized to select the various taps input to the 10 multiplexer 172 for output thel~Lolll as a delay input. The system of FIGURE
14 can also be utilized in the run time operation wherein the various delay settings and functional relationships of the delay with respect to the extern~l parameters are stored in the storage area 18. The external parameters can then be measured and the value of r selected as a function of this temperature and the 15 functional relationship provided by the information stored in the storage area 18.
This is to be compared with the training operation wherein this information is extçrn~lly input to the system. For example, with reference to FIGURE 13, it could be noticed that all of the delays for the variable temp 1 must be shifted up by a value of 0.5 when the temperature reached a certain point. With the use of 20 the multiple taps, as described with respect to FIGUREs 12 and 14, it is onlynecessary to vary the value of the control input to the multiplexers 172 associated with each of the variables, it being understood that in the example of FIGURE
13, three multiplexers 172 would be required for the variable templ, since thereare three sep~le input variables.

Referring now to FIGURE 15a, there is illustrated a block diagram of the preprocessing system for setting the delay parameters, which delay parameters are learned. For simplicity purposes, the preprocessing system is not illustrated;
rather, a table 176 of the preprocess data is illustrated. Further, the method for achieving the delay differs somewhat, as will be described hereinbelow. The delay is achieved by a time delay adjustor 178, which time delay adjustor utilizes SU8SmUlE SHEET (RULE 263 ~ wo94117482 2~S3~78~CTIUS94/00910 the st~red parameters in a delayed parameter block 18'. The delay parameter block 18' is similar to the delay setting block 18, with the exception that absolute delays are not contained therein. Rather, information relating to a window of data is stored in the delay parameter block 18'. The ~ime delay adjustor 178 is 5 opera~le to select a window of data within in each set of data in the table 176, the data labelled xl' through xn'. The time delay adjustor 178 is operable to receive data within a defined window associated with each of the sets of data x,' - xn' and convert this information into a single value for output thel~Lolll as an input value inl - inn. These are directly input to a system model 26', which system model 26' 10 is similar to the run-time system model 26 and the training model 2~ in that it is realized with a non-linear neural ne work. The non-linear neural network is illustrated as having an input layer 179, a hidden layer 180 and an output layer182. The hidden layer 180 is operable to map the input layer 179 to the output layer 182, as will be described hereinbelow. However, note that this is a non-15 linear mapping function. By comparison, the time delay adjustor 178 is operableto linearly map each of sets of data x,' - xnl in the table 176 to the input layer 179.
This mapping function is dependent upon the delay parameters in the delay parameter block 18'. As will be described hereinbelow, these parameters are learned under the control of a le~rnin~ module 183, which le~rning module 183 is20 controlled during the network training in the training mode. It is similar to that described above with respect to FIGURE la.

During learning, the le~rning module 183 is operable to control both the time delay adjustor block 178 and the delay parameter block 18' to change the values thereof in training of the system model 26'. During training, target outputs 25 are input to the output layer 182 and a set of training data input therçto in the form of the chart 176, it being noted that this is already preprocessed in accordance with the operation as described hereinabove. The model parameters of the system model 26' stored in the storage area 22 are then adjusted in accordance with a predele, ",il~ed training algoliLl-l-l to minimi7e the error.
30 However, ~e error can only be minimi7~ to a certain extent for a given set of SUBSmUiE SHEET (RULE 263 WO 94n7482 PCI'/US94/00910 3 ~

delays. Only by setting the delays to their opLi~ values will the error be minimi7s~1 to the m;lx;~ -- extent. Therefore, the learning module 183 is operable to vary the parameters in the delay pararneter block 18' that are associated with the timing delay adjustor 178 in order to further minimi7e the 5 error.

Since direct targets for the time delays are not readily available, some me~llre for adjusting them through indirect targets is required. In FIGURE 15b, the time delay adjustor utilizes a window that provides a weighted distribution from a center time delay extending outward there~iulll. Illustrated are waveforms 10 for xl(t) and x2(t). The waveform is defmed as Ci(ri, ai, ~i). Therefore, each of the data colurnns is parameterized via three numbers, the time lag value ri, theleading edge time-rise width ai and the trailing edge width ,Bi. The inputs to the neural network representing the system model 26' would then be the convolution of this time-lag window and the data from the taps from the associated column.
15 The input value would be as follows:
t/ ,, t inltt) Cl ( t~ t, Xl(t ) ,~l,cxf,¦31) dt (S) t/ O

Or, the discretely:
t inl (t) ~ Cl ( i/ t, Xl (j) ~ Tl~ i) (6) O

where, e.g., Cl (j/ t~ Xl (j),~
t) - I ~ 2 /2 ~ i) (7) SUBSlTrUTE S~IEET (RULE 263 ~ WO 941~ 2 21 ~3 ~3 PCT/US94/00910 Equ~ation 4 represents a G~llssi~n window. Given this function for each of the inputs, the network can then learn on the parameters r; ,a; and ~;.

To achieve the above le~rning, an error function is required. This error fim~tion utilizes the neural network error function as follows:

E ~ (y (j) o (j) )2 (8) ; ~o 5 where the value ya) is the target of the network and the value oa) is the output of the net and NPATS is the number of training patterns. The output of the network is dependent on several parameters:

f i ) ) f ( j ~ Wkl ~ in ( j ) ) Of ( j ~ Wkl ~ Cf ( i / I i r ~ ~ 13 ) ) (9) where, Wk, is the matrix of neural network weights, learned by gradient descent:
/\Wkl ~ ~aEkl (10) and C; is the convolution window with parameters r;, a; and ,B; are also learned 10 by gradient descent; that is:

aE If 2 0 (ll) CX Il aE lf ~ o (12) SU8SrlTlllE SHEET (llULE 263 WO 94117482 2 l ~ 3 7 ~ 3 PCI'/US94/00910 ~, n~ 2~ 13i > (13) where ~ w, ~ and ~ p are le~rning rates usually chosen such that I~ j and ~;
adjust more slowly than W~. That is, ~w is a~proxilllately equal to ten times the value of rl~ and ~ is ap~.oxilllately equal to Tla and is approximately equal to~ ~. This le~rnin~ will allow the network to find the best ~ i and ,Bi to 5 m~imi~e the model fit and therefore minimi7e error.

Referring now to FIGURE 16, there is illustrated a schematic view of a conventional neural network lltili7~1 for the training model 20 and for the run time system model 26. The neural network is a multi-layer network comprised of a plurality of input nodes 186 and a plurality of output nodes 188. A plurality of lo hidden nodes 190 are provided which are interconnected through a first interconnection layer, the input intercormection layer, to the input layer nodes186. Each of the hidden nodes in layer 190 may have a separate weighted connection to each of ~e nodes in the input layer 186, or select ones thereof.
Similarly, an output interconnection layer is provided between the hidden layer 190 and the output layer 188 such that each of the hidden nodes 190 is connectedthrough a weighted interconnection to each of the output nodes 188 or select ones thereof. The weighted interconnections and the values thereof define the stored representation, and these weights are the values that are learned during the training operation. In general, the le~rning operation comprises target data input 20 to the output nodes 188, which are ~tili7:etl for a compare operation and then a training algo~ l, such as a back propagation technique is lltili7e-1, as illustrated by block 192. This is a conventional type of architecture. As will be described hereinbelow, this network is trained through any one of a number of training algoliLlln~s and arch*ectures such as Radial Basis Functions, Gaussian Bars, or 25 conventional Backpropagation techniques. The Backpropagation le~rning technigue is generally described in D.E. Rumelhart, G.E. Hinton & R.J.
SUBSIT~UTE SHEET (FtULE 28 WO ~4~7482 PCT/US94/00910 ~ S3 7~3 W~ m~, Learning Internal Representations by Error Propagation (in D.E.
R~melhart & J.L. McClennand, Parallel Distributed Processing, Chapter 8, Vol.
1~ 1986), which document is incorporated herein by reference. In this type of , a set of training data is input to the input layer 186 to generate an ontput, which output in the output layer 188 is then coll.pa~ed to the target data.
An error is then generated, and this error back propagated from the output layer1~8 to the input layer 186 with the values of the weights on the input interconnect layer and the output interconnect layer changed in accordance with the gradient descent technique. Initially, the error is very large, but as training 10 d~ta is seql1enti~11y applied to the input, and this compared to corresponding target output data, the error is minimi7ed. If sufficient data is provided, the error can be ~ "i7ed to provide a relatively accurate representation of the system.

Referring now to FIGURE 17, there is illustrated a flowchart illustrating the det~ tion of time delays for the training operation. This flowchart is initi~te~l at a block 198 and then flows to a function block 200 to select the delays, this performed by the operator as described above with respect to FIGURE 13. The program then flows to a decision block 202 to determine whether variable rs are to be selected. The program flows along a "Y" path to a function block 204 to receive an external input and vary the value of r in 20 accordance with the relationship selected by the operator, this being a m~ml~l operation in the training mode. The program then flows to a decision block 206 to lele- ~ e whether the value of r is to be learned by an adaptive algo,i~ . If variable rs are not to be selected in the decision block 202, the program then flows around the function block 204 along the "N" path thereof.

25 If the value of r is to be learned adaptively, the program flows from the decision block 206 to a function block 208 to learn the value of r adaptively.
The program then flows to a function block 210 to save the value of r . If no adaptive le~rning is required, ~e program flows from the decision block 206 along the "N" pa~ to function block 210. After ~e ~ parameters have been SU~SmUTE SHEET (RULE 2~

WO 94tl7~ PCTIIUS94100910 2`~37~3 ~

d~lt....li~.ed, the model 20 is trained, as indicated by a function block 212 and then thc parameters stored, as indicated by a function block 214 and then the program flows to a DONE block 216.

Referring now to FIGURE 18, there is illustrated a flowchart depicting the 5 operation in the run time mode. This is initi~te~l at a block 220 and then flows to a function block 222 to receive the data and then to a decision block 224 to del~- ..li~.e whether the pre-time merge process is to be entered. If so, the program flows along a "Y" path to a function block 226 and then to a decision block 228. If not, the program flows along the "N" input path to the input of 10 decision block 228. Decision block 228 determines whether the time merge operation is to be performed. If so, the program flows along the "Y" path to function block 230 and then to the input of a decision block 232 and, if not, the program flows along the "N" path to the decision block 232. The decision block 232 d~ es whether the post-time merge process is to be performed. If so, 15 the program flows along the "Y" path to a function block 234 to process the data with the stored sequence and then to a function block 236 to set the buffer equal to the m~x;~ r for the delay. If not, the post-time merge process is not selected, the program flows from the decision block 232 along the "N" path thereof to the input of function block 236.

Function block 236 flows to a decision block 238 to deLæl,.,i,.e whether the value of ~ is to be varied. If so, the program flows to a function block 240 to set the value of ~ variably, then to the input of a function block 242 and, if not, the program flows along the "N" path to function block 242. Function block 242 is operable to buffer data and generate run time inputs and then flows to a function block 244 to load the model parameters. The program then flows to a function block 246 to process the generated inputs through the model and then toa decision block 248 to clel~ ....il~e whether all of the data has been processed. If not, the program flows along the "N" path back to the input of function block 246 until all data is processed and then along the "Y" path to return block 250.
SU85rlTU~ SHEET (RULE 26) WO ~4~7~ PCTIlUS94/00910 ~ 21~37~3 Referring now to FIGURE 19, there is illustrated a flowchart for the operation of setting the value of ~ variably. The program is initiated at a block 252 and then proceeds to a function block 254 to receive the ext~rn~l control input. The value of r is varied in accordance with the relationship stored in the 5 st~rage area 14, as indicated by a function block 256 and then the program flows to a function block 258.

Referring now to FIGURE 20, there is illustrated a simplified block di&~ll for the overall run time operation. Data is initially output by the DCS 24 during run time. The data is then preprocessed in the preprocess block 34 in 10 accordance with the preprocess parameters stored in the storage area 14. The data is then delayed in the delay block 36 in accordance with the delay setting set in the delay block 18, this delay block 18 also receiving the extern~l block control input, which is comprised of parameters on which the value of ~ depends to provide the variable setting operation that was lltili7:Ç~l during the training 15 mode. The output of the delay block is then input to a selection block 260, which receives a control input. This selection block 260 selects either a control network or a prediction network. A predictive system model 262 is provided and a control model 264 is provided. Both models 262 and 264 are identical to the training model 20 ar,d utilize the same parameters; that is, models 262 and 264 20 have stored therein a representation of the system that was trained in the training model 20. The predictive system model 262 provides on the output thereof a predictive output and the control model 264 provides on the output thereof predicted system inputs for the DCS 24. These are stored in a block 266 and translated to control inputs to the DCS 24.

In s-lmm~ry, there has been provided a system for preprocessing data prior to training the model. The preprocessing operation is operable to provide a timemerging of the data such that each set of input data is input to a training system model on a uniform time base. Furthermore, the preprocessing operation is operable to fill in mi~sin~ or bad data. Additionally, after preprocessing, SUBSmU~ SHEET (RULE 263 wo 94/174~2 PcT/uss4/ooglo 21~3~3 pre-l~le....i.~ed plant delays are associated with each of the variables to generate delayed inputs. These delayed inputs are then input to a training model and the llah~ g model trained in accordance with a pre~leterrnined training algorithm toprovide a representation of the system. This representation is stored as model 5 p~llClCl~. Additionally, the preprocessing steps ~ltili~e~l to preprocess the data are stored as a sequence of preprocescing algo~ ls and the delay values that are,.";~ed during training are also stored. A distributed control system that can be controlled to process the output parameters thelerlolll in accordance with the process algo,illlllls and set delays in accordance with the predetçrrnined delay10 settings. A predictive system model, or a control model, is then built on thestored model parameters and the delayed inputs input thereto to provide a predicted output. This predicted output provides for either a predicted plant output or a predicted control input for the run time system.

Although the ~lerel~cd embodiment has been described in detail, it should 15 be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

SUBSmUTE SHEET (RULE 263

Claims (46)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A data preprocessor for preprocessing input data prior to input to a system model, comprising:
an input buffer for receiving and storing the input data, the input data being on different time scales;
a time merge device for selecting a predetermined time scale and reconciling the input data stored in the input buffer such that all of the input data is on the same time scale; and an output device for outputting the data reconciled by the time merge device as reconciled data, said reconciled data comprising the input data to the system model.

2. The data preprocessor of Claim 1, and further comprising a pre-time merge processor for applying a predetermined algorithm to the input data received by said input buffer prior to input to said time merge device.

3. The data preprocessor of Claim 2, wherein each piece of data has associated therewith a time value corresponding to the time the input data was generated.

4. The data preprocessor of Claim 3, wherein said input data processed by said pre-time merge processor has associated therewith the time value of the input data prior to processing by said pre-time merge processor.

5. The data preprocessor of Claim 2, and further comprising an input device for selecting said predetermined algorithm from a group of available algorithms.

6. The data preprocessor of Claim 1, wherein said output device further comprises a post-time merge processor for applying a predetermined algorithm to the data reconciled by said time merge device prior to output as said reconciled data.

7. The data preprocessor of Claim 6, and further comprising an input device for selecting said predetermined algorithm from a group of available algorithms.

8. The data preprocessor of Claim 1, wherein the system model is a non-linear network having a set of model parameters defining a representation ofthe network, said model parameters operable to be trained, the input data comprised of target input data and target output data, said reconciled data comprised of target reconciled input data and target reconciled output data, andfurther comprising a training device for training said non-linear network according to a predetermined training algorithm applied to said reconciled target input data and said reconciled target output data to develop new model parameters such that said non-linear network has stored therein a representationof the system that generated the target input data and the target output data.

9. The data preprocessor of Claim 1, wherein said input buffer is operable to arrange the input data in a predetermined format.

10. The data preprocessor of Claim 9, wherein the input data, prior to being arranged in said predetermined format, has a predetermined time reference for all data, such that each piece of input data has associated therewith a timevalue relative to said common time reference.

11. The data preprocessor of Claim 1, wherein each piece of data has associated therewith a time value corresponding to the time the input data was generated.

12. The data preprocessor of Claim 1, wherein the input data is comprised of a plurality of variables each of the variables comprising an input variable with an associated set of data wherein each of said variables comprisesan input to said input buffer and a potential input to the system model.

13. The data preprocessor of Claim 12 wherein select ones of said input variables and the associated set of data are on different time scales.

14. The data preprocessor of Claim 12 and further comprising a delay device for receiving reconciled data associated with a select one of said input variables and introducing a predetermined amount of delay to said reconciled data to output a delayed input variable and associated set of delayed input reconciled data.

15. The data preprocessor of Claim 14 wherein said predetermined amount of delay is a function of an external variable and further comprising means for varying said predetermined amount of delay as the function of said external variable.

16. The data preprocessor of Claim 14 and further comprising means for learning said predetermined delay as a function of training parameters generated by a system corresponding to the system model.

17. The data preprocessor of Claim 14 and further comprising means for determining said predeterminedd amount of delay.

18. The data preprocessor of Claim 14 wherein said delay device comprises a plurality of buffers each having a predetermined delay length at least as long as said predetermined delay, each of said input buffers having associated therewith one of said buffers with said delayed input variable determined by tapping said buffer associated with the select one of said input variables at a predetermined point along said delay length.

19. A data preprocessor for preprocessing input data prior to input to a system model, comprising:
an input buffer for receiving and storing the input data;
a delay device for receiving select portions of the input data from said input buffer and introducing a predetermined amount of delay therein to output delayed input data; and an output device for outputting the undelayed and delayed portions of the input data as reconciled data, said reconciled data comprising the input data to the system model.

20. The data preprocessor of Claim 19, wherein the input data comprises a plurality of variables, each of the variables comprising an input variable with an associated set of data, wherein said delay device is operable to receive at least a select one of said input variables and introduce said predetermined amount of delay therein to output a delayed input variable and an associated set of delayed reconciled data having the associated delay.

21. The data preprocessor of Claim 20, and further comprising means for determining said delay.

22. The data preprocessor of Claim 20, wherein said delay device comprises a plurality of buffers, each having a predetermined delay length at least as long as said predetermined delay, each of said input buffers having associated therewith one of said buffers with said delayed input variable determined by tapping said buffer associated with the select one of said input variables at a predetermined point along said delay length.

23. The data preprocessor of Claim 20, wherein the input data includes different time scales and further comprising a time merge device for selecting apredetermined time scale and reconciling the input data such that all of the input data is on the same time scale, said reconciled data input to said delay device as time merged data.

24. The data preprocessor of Claim 23, and further comprising:
a pre-time merge processor for applying a predetermined algorithm to the input data received by said input buffer prior to input to said time merge device.

25. The data preprocessor of Claim 23, and further comprising a post-time merge processor for applying a predetermined algorithm to the data reconciled by said time merge device prior to output as said time merge data therefrom.

26. The data preprocessor of Claim 19, wherein said predetermined amount of delay is a function of an external variable and further comprising means for varying said predetermined amount of delay as the function of said external variable.

27. The data preprocessor of Claim 19, and further comprising means for learning said predetermined delay as a function of training parameters generated by a system corresponding to the system model.

28. A method for preprocessing input data prior to input to a system model, comprising the steps of:
receiving and storing the input data in an input buffer, the input data being on different time scales;
selecting a predetermined time scale and time merging the input data such that all of the input data is reconciled on the same time scale; and outputting the reconciled time merged data as reconciled data, the reconciled data comprising the input data to the system model.

29. The method of Claim 28, and further comprising applying the predetermined algorithm to the input data received by the input buffer prior to the step of time merging.

30. The method of Claim 29, wherein each piece of data has associated therewith a time value corresponding to the time the input data was generated.

31. The method of Claim 30, wherein the input data, after having the predetermined algorithm applied thereto, has the time value of the input associated therewith that existed prior to the step of applying the predetermined algorithm thereto.

32. The method of Claim 29, and further comprising the step of selecting the predetermined from a group of available algorithms.

33. The method of Claim 28, wherein the step of outputting comprises applying a predetermined algorithm to the data after the time merging step and prior to output as the reconciled data.

34. The method of Claim 33, and further comprising selecting the predetermined algorithm from a group of available algorithms.

35. The method of Claim 28, wherein the system model is a non-linear network having a set of model parameters clefining a representation of the network, the model parameters operable to be trained, the input data comprised of target input data and target output data, the reconciled data comprised of target reconciled input data and target reconciled output data, and further comprising the step of training the non-linear network according to a non-linear training algorithm applied to the reconciled target input data and the reconciled target output data to develop new model parameters such that the non-linear network has stored therein a representation of the system that generated the target input data and the target output data.

36. The method of Claim 28, and further comprising the step of arranging the input data in a predetermined format prior to input to the input buffer.

37. The method of Claim 36, wherein the input data prior to being arrallged in the predetermined format, has a predetermined time reference for all data, such that each piece of input data has associated therewith a time value relative to the common time reference.

38. The method of Claim 28, wherein each piece of data has associated therewith a time value corresponding to the time the input data was generated.

39. The method of Claim 28, wherein the input data is comprised of a plurality of variables, each of the variables comprising an input variable with an associated set of data wherein each of the variables comprises an input to the input buffer and a potential input to the system model, and further comprising the steps of:
receiving the reconciled data associated with a select one of the input variables; and introducing a predetermined amount of delay to the reconciled data to output a delayed input variable and an associated set of delayed input reconciled data.

40. A method for preprocessing input data prior to input to a system model comprising the steps of:
receiving and storing the input data in an input buffer;
receiving select portions of the input data stored in the input buffer and introducing a predetermined amount of delay therein to output delayed input data; and outputting the undelayed and delayed portions of the input data as reconciled data, the reconciled data comprising the input data to the system model.

41. The method of Claim 40, wherein the input data comprises a plurality of variables, each of the variables comprising an input variable with an associated set of data, wherein the step of delaying is operable to receive at least a select one of the input variables and introduce the predetermined amount of delay therein to output a delayed input variable and an associated set of delayed reconciled data having the associated delay.

42. The method of Claim 41, and further comprising determining the predetermined amount of delay.

43. The method of Claim 40, wherein the predetermined amount of delay is a function of an external variable and further comprising the step of varying the predetermined amount of delay as a function of the external variable.

44. The method of Claim 40, and further comprising the step of learning a predetermined delay as a function of training parameters generated bya system corresponding to the system model.

45. A method for preprocessing data in a graphic environment comprising the steps of:
storing the data as a function of a predetermined variable, such that the data is comprised of a plurality of data values, each associated with a variable value;
retrieving the data values and their associated variable values in a sequence defined by the variable values;
graphically displaying a portion of the data values as a function of their associated variable values;
graphically manipulating the value of select ones of the data values;
and altering the stored values to the graphically manipulated values.

46. The method of Claim 45, wherein the predetermined variable is time.