Observer-based control of multi-agent systems under decentralized information structure

This paper addresses the problem of decentralized implementation of a global state feedback controller for multi-agent systems. The system is assumed to be under the constraint of a complete decentralized information structure. The decentralization of the control task is achieved through the construction of low-order decentralized functional observers with the purpose of generating the required corresponding control signal for each local control station. A design procedure is developed for obtaining an approximate solution to the design of the observers. Stability analysis is provided for the global system using the proposed observer-based approach. A numerical example is given to illustrate the design procedure and cases when the observers' order increases from the lowest value.

Power-cycle-library-based control strategy for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles

It has been demonstrated that considering the knowledge of drive cycle as a priori in the PHEV control strategy can improve its performance. The concept of power cycle instead of drive cycle is introduced to consider the effect of noise factors in the prediction of future drivetrain power demand. To minimize the effect of noise factors, a practical solution for developing a power-cycle library is introduced. A control strategy is developed using the predicted power cycle which inherently improves the optimal operation of engine and consequently improves the vehicle performance. Since the control strategy is formed exclusively for each PHEV rather than a preset strategy which is designed by OEM, the effect of different environmental and geographic conditions, driver behavior, aging of battery and other components are considered for each PHEV. Simulation results show that the control strategy based on the driver library of power cycle would improve both vehicle performance and battery health.

A simulation-based control interface layer for a high-fidelity anthropomorphic training simulator

Deakin University’s futuristic Universal Motion simulator will overcome the limitations of current motion simulator platforms by employing an anthropomorphic robot arm to provide the motion fidelity necessary to exploit the potential of modern simulation environments. Full motion simulators frequently utilize Stewart platforms to mimic the movement of vehicles during simulation. However, due to the limited motion range and dexterity of such systems, and their inability to convey realistic accelerations, they are unable to represent accurate motion characteristics. The Universal Motion Simulation aims to close the gap between the limitations of the current motion technology and real world, by introducing a flexible, modular, high-fidelity motion system that can be used for a variety of immersive training applications. The modular nature of the design allows interchangeable and configurable simulation pods to be attached to the end effectors.

A novel non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on nickel (II) oxide electrospun nanofibers

A new enzymeless glucose sensor has been fabricated via electrospinning technology and subsequent calcination. The morphology and structure of the as-prepared nanofibers have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose in alkaline medium at nickel oxide modified glassy carbon electrodes has been investigated. The modified electrodes offer excellent electrocatalytic activity toward the glucose oxidation at low positive potential (0.3 V). Glucose has been determined chronoamperometrically at the surface of NiO nanofibers modified electrode in 0.5 mM NaOH. Under the optimized condition, the calibration curve is linear in the concentration range of 2 × 10−3 mM∼1 mM, and 1 mM∼9.5 mM. The detection limit (signal-to-noise 3) and response time are 3.394 × 10−6 M and 2 s, respectively. The NiO electrospun nanofibers is easy to prepare and feasible in economy. The modified electrode is steady and can be used repeatedly, so it is reasonable to expect its broad use in non-enzymatic glucose sensor.

Detecting SMS-based control commands in a Botnet from infected android devices

An increasing number of Android devices are being infected and at risk of becoming part of a botnet. Among all types of botnets, control and cornmand based botnets are very popular. In this paper we introduce an effective and efficient method to ddect SMS-based control commands ftvm infected Android devices. Specifically, we rely on the important radio activities recorded in Android log files. These radio activities are currently overlooked by researchers. We show the effectiveness of our rnethod by using the examples frorn published literature. Our method requires much less user knowledge but is more generic than traditional approaches.

Observer-based control for time-varying delay neural networks with nonlinear observation

This paper studies the problem of designing observer-based controllers for a class of delayed neural networks with nonlinear observation. The system under consideration is subject to nonlinear observation and an interval time-varying delay. The nonlinear observation output is any nonlinear Lipschitzian function and the time-varying delay is not required to be differentiable nor its lower bound be zero. By constructing a set of appropriate Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals and utilizing the Newton-Leibniz formula, some delay-dependent stabilizability conditions which are expressed in terms of Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs) are derived. The derived conditions allow simultaneous computation of two bounds that characterize the exponential stability rate of the closed-loop system. The unknown observer gain and the state feedback observer-based controller are directly obtained upon the feasibility of the derived LMIs stabilizability conditions. A simulation example is presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed result.

Ultrasensitive hydrogen sensor based on Pd0-loaded SnO2 electrospun nanofibers at room temperature

Pd0-loaded SnO2 nanofibers have been successfully synthesized with different loaded levels via electrospinning process, sintering technology, and in situ reduction. This simple strategy could be expected to extend for the fabrication of similar metal?oxide loaded nanofibers using different precursors. The morphological and structural characteristics of the resultant product were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). To demonstrate the usage of such Pd0-loaded SnO2 nanomaterial, a chemical gas sensor has been fabricated and investigated for H2 detection. The sensing performances versus Pd0-loaded levels have been investigated in detail. An ultralow limit of detection (20 ppb), high response, fast response and recovery, and selectivity have been obtained on the basis of the sensors operating at room temperature. The combination of SnO2 crystal structure and catalytic activity of Pd0-loaded gives a very attractive sensing behavior for applications as real-time monitoring gas sensors.