A method is disclosed for collecting and processing raw process data. The
method includes processing the raw data through a process model to obtain
a prediction of the process quality; processing this prediction through
two dynamic transfer functions thus creating two intermediate signals;
storing the two intermediate signals as a function of time; retrieving at
the time of a real and validated measurement of the process quality from
the history the absolute minimum value and maximum value of the two
intermediate signals in the time period corresponding to a minimum and
maximum specified deadtime, in which the absolute minimum value and
maximum values define the minimum and maximum prediction possible;
calculating the deviation as being the difference between the real and
validated measurement and the uncertainty area encompassed between the
minimum and maximum prediction possible; incorporating the deviation into
the process model to calibrate the process model; and, repeating.