The determination of the parameters of a dynamic process

The paper shows how the mathematical methods of steepest descent may be used to minimize certain functions of the `satisfaction error¿ of a dynamic process.This minimization procedure forms the basis of certain automatic techniques for determining the coefficients or parameters of the process transfer function. The techniques, which are easily mechanized from normal analogue computer components, appear to be limited to the investigation of low order processes. In addition to their value as a new approach to the experimental analysis of dynamic systems (termed the `analysis of dynamic experiments¿), it is shown that equipment of this type could be utilized in the design of a simple `self adaptive¿ control system. Finally, possible future developments are discussed, with particular emphasis on the employment of digital mechanization.