Design of a minimum variance multiple input-multiple output neuro self-tuning proportional-integral-derivative controller for non-linear dynamic systems

In this study a minimum variance neuro self-tuning proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is designed for complex multiple input-multiple output (MIMO) dynamic systems. An approximation model is constructed, which consists of two functional blocks. The first block uses a linear submodel to approximate dominant system dynamics around a selected number of operating points. The second block is used as an error agent, implemented by a neural network, to accommodate the inaccuracy possibly introduced by the linear submodel approximation, various complexities/uncertainties, and complicated coupling effects frequently exhibited in non-linear MIMO dynamic systems. With the proposed model structure, controller design of an MIMO plant with n inputs and n outputs could be, for example, decomposed into n independent single input-single output (SISO) subsystem designs. The effectiveness of the controller design procedure is initially verified through simulations of industrial examples.

Lesbian and gay parents and reproductive technologies: The 2008 Australian and UK reforms

This article analyses the laws that govern the allocation of parental responsibility for children conceived through non-coital reproduction by lesbians and gay men in England/Wales and Australia. In 2008 both jurisdictions introduced important reforms affecting this area of law, providing new options for the legal recognition of parent–child relationships in lesbian and gay households. However, the practical usefulness or effectiveness of the reforms may be limited by the excessive complexity or obscurity of the system of parental responsibility thus introduced. Furthermore, the reform Acts encourage the formation of some family structures—especially homonuclear families—while discouraging the emergence of more imaginative and cooperative parenting configurations at odds with heteronormative parenting scripts. Only through a clearer commitment to intentionality as a ground for the allocation of parental responsibility will future reform be likely to adequately protect the interests of lesbian and gay parents and their children.

Taking time to understand: articulating relationships between technologies and organizations

Dynamic relationships between technologies and organizations are investigated through research on digital visualization technologies and their use in the construction sector. Theoretical work highlights mutual adaptation between technologies and organizations but does not explain instances of sustained, sudden, or increasing maladaptation. By focusing on the technological field, I draw attention to hierarchical structuring around inter-dependent levels of technology; technological priorities of diverse groups; power asymmetries and disjunctures between contexts of development and use. For complex technologies, such as digital technologies, I argue these field-level features explain why organizations peripheral to the field may experience difficulty using emerging technology.

Entropy versus APE production: on the buoyancy power input in the oceans energy cycle

This letter argues that the current controversy about whether Wbuoyancy, the power input due to the surface buoyancy fluxes, is large or small in the oceans stems from two distinct and incompatible views on how Wbuoyancy relates to the volume-integrated work of expansion/contraction B. The current prevailing view is that Wbuoyancy should be identified with the net value of B, which current theories estimate to be small. The alternative view, defended here, is that only the positive part of B, i.e., the one converting internal energy into mechanical energy, should enter the definition of Wbuoyancy, since the negative part of B is associated with the non-viscous dissipation of mechanical energy. Two indirect methods suggest that by contrast, the positive part of B is potentially large.

On the Kalman-Bucy filter with specified input

In a recent paper, Vathsal suggested that a new configuration had been obtained for linear filtering problems, which was distinctly different from the Kalman-Bucy filter. It is shown that this in fact is merely a special case of the filter with a specified input.

Weighted input predictive controller

A discrete-time algorithm is presented which is based on a predictive control scheme in the form of dynamic matrix control. A set of control inputs are calculated and made available at each time instant, the actual input applied being a weighted summation of the inputs within the set. The algorithm is directly applicable in a self-tuning format and is therefore suitable for slowly time-varying systems in a noisy environment.

Input/output linearization using dynamic recurrent neural networks

This paper brings together two areas of research that have received considerable attention during the last years, namely feedback linearization and neural networks. A proposition that guarantees the Input/Output (I/O) linearization of nonlinear control affine systems with Dynamic Recurrent Neural Networks (DRNNs) is formulated and proved. The proposition and the linearization procedure are illustrated with the simulation of a single link manipulator.

Pervasive technologies for workspace management

Purpose – Facilities managers have less visibility of how buildings are being used due to flexible working and unpredictable workers. The purpose of this paper is to examine the current issues in workspace management and an automatic solution through radio frequency identification (RFID) that could provide real time information on the volume and capacity of buildings. Design/methodology/approach – The study described in this paper is based on a case study at a facilities management (FM) department. The department is examining a ubiquitous technology in the form of innovative RFID for security and workspace management. Interviews and observations are conducted within the facilities department for the initial phase of the implementation of RFID technology. Findings – Research suggests that work methods are evolving and becoming more flexible. With this in mind, facilities managers face new challenges to create a suitable environment for an unpredictable workforce. RFID is one solution that could provide facilities managers with an automatic way of examining space in real time and over a wider area than currently possible. RFID alone for space management is financially expensive but by making the application multiple for other areas makes more business sense. Practical implications – This paper will provide practicing FM and academics with the knowledge gained from the application of RFID in this organisation. While the concept of flexible working seems attractive, there is an emerging need to provide various forms of spaces that enable employees’ satisfaction and enhance the productivity of the organisation. Originality/value – The paper introduces new thinking on the subject of “workspace management”. It highlights the current difficulties in workspace management and how an RFID solution will benefit workspace methods.

Autonomous ship collision free trajectory navigation and control algorithms

A new autonomous ship collision free (ASCF) trajectory navigation and control system has been introduced with a new recursive navigation algorithm based on analytic geometry and convex set theory for ship collision free guidance. The underlying assumption is that the geometric information of ship environment is available in the form of a polygon shaped free space, which may be easily generated from a 2D image or plots relating to physical hazards or other constraints such as collision avoidance regulations. The navigation command is given as a heading command sequence based on generating a way point which falls within a small neighborhood of the current position, and the sequence of the way points along the trajectory are guaranteed to lie within a bounded obstacle free region using convex set theory. A neurofuzzy network predictor which in practice uses only observed input/output data generated by on board sensors or external sensors (or a sensor fusion algorithm), based on using rudder deflection angle for the control of ship heading angle, is utilised in the simulation of an ESSO 190000 dwt tanker model to demonstrate the effectiveness of the system.

Control strategy for Boolean input systems

The purpose of this paper is to design a control law for continuous systems with Boolean inputs allowing the output to track a desired trajectory. Such systems are controlled by items of commutation. This type of systems, with Boolean inputs, has found increasing use in the electric industry. Power supplies include such systems and a power converter represents one of theses systems. For instance, in power electronics the control variable is the switching OFF and ON of components such as thyristors or transistors. In this paper, a method is proposed for the designing of a control law in state space for such systems. This approach is implemented in simulation for the control of an electronic circuit.

Proceedings of the 3rd international conference on disability, virtual reality and associated technologies (ICDVRAT 2000)

The proceedings of the conference