Automatic Understanding of ATC Speech: Study of Prospectives and Field Experiments for Several Controller Positions

Although there has been a lot of interest in recognizing and understanding air traffic control (ATC) speech, none of the published works have obtained detailed field data results. We have developed a system able to identify the language spoken and recognize and understand sentences in both Spanish and English. We also present field results for several in-tower controller positions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that field ATC speech (not simulated) is captured, processed, and analyzed. The use of stochastic grammars allows variations in the standard phraseology that appear in field data. The robust understanding algorithm developed has 95% concept accuracy from ATC text input. It also allows changes in the presentation order of the concepts and the correction of errors created by the speech recognition engine improving it by 17% and 25%, respectively, absolute in the percentage of fully correctly understood sentences for English and Spanish in relation to the percentages of fully correctly recognized sentences. The analysis of errors due to the spontaneity of the speech and its comparison to read speech is also carried out. A 96% word accuracy for read speech is reduced to 86% word accuracy for field ATC data for Spanish for the "clearances" task confirming that field data is needed to estimate the performance of a system. A literature review and a critical discussion on the possibilities of speech recognition and understanding technology applied to ATC speech are also given.

Pond head level control in a run-of-river hydro power plant using fuzzy controller

The run-of-river hydro power plant usually have low or nil water storage capacity, and therefore an adequate control strategy is required to keep the water level constant in pond. This paper presents a novel technique based on TSK fuzzy controller to maintain the pond head constant. The performance is investigated over a wide range of hill curve of hydro turbine. The results are compared with PI controller as discussed in [1].

ITER fast plant system controller prototype based on PXIe platform

The ITER CODAC design identifies slow and fast plant system controllers (PSC). The gast OSCs are based on embedded technologies, permit sampling rates greater than 1 KHz, meet stringent real-time requirements, and will be devoted to data acquisition tasks and control purposes. CIEMAT and UPM have implemented a prototype of a fast PSC based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies with PXI hardware and software based on EPICS

ITER Fast Plant System Controller Prototype Based on Commercial PXI Platform

The ITER CODAC design identifies slow and fast plant system controllers (PSC). The gast OSCs are based on embedded technologies, permit sampling rates greater than 1 KHz, meet stringent real-time requirements, and will be devoted to data acquisition tasks and control purposes. CIEMAT and UPM have implemented a prototype of a fast PSC based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies with PXI hardware and software based on EPICS

Neural network controller for active demand side management with PV energy in the residential sector

In this paper, we describe the development of a control system for Demand-Side Management in the residential sector with Distributed Generation. The electrical system under study incorporates local PV energy generation, an electricity storage system, connection to the grid and a home automation system. The distributed control system is composed of two modules: a scheduler and a coordinator, both implemented with neural networks. The control system enhances the local energy performance, scheduling the tasks demanded by the user and maximizing the use of local generation.

Cross-entropy optimization for scaling factors of a fuzzy controller: a see-and-avoid approach for unmanned aerial systems

The Cross-Entropy (CE) is an efficient method for the estimation of rare-event probabilities and combinatorial optimization. This work presents a novel approach of the CE for optimization of a Soft-Computing controller. A Fuzzy controller was designed to command an unmanned aerial system (UAS) for avoiding collision task. The only sensor used to accomplish this task was a forward camera. The CE is used to reach a near-optimal controller by modifying the scaling factors of the controller inputs. The optimization was realized using the ROS-Gazebo simulation system. In order to evaluate the optimization a big amount of tests were carried out with a real quadcopter.

Quadcopter see and avoid using a fuzzy controller

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) industry is a fast growing sector. Nowadays, the market offers numerous possibilities for off-the-shelf UAVs such as quadrotors or fixed-wings. Until UAVs demonstrate advance capabilities such as autonomous collision avoidance they will be segregated and restricted to flight in controlled environments. This work presents a visual fuzzy servoing system for obstacle avoidance using UAVs. To accomplish this task we used the visual information from the front camera. Images are processed off-board and the result send to the Fuzzy Logic controller which then send commands to modify the orientation of the aircraft. Results from flight test are presented with a commercial off-the-shelf platform.

Genetic fuzzy-based steering wheel controller using a mass-produced car

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) cover a broad range of methods and technologies that provide answers to many problems of transportation. Unmanned control of the steering wheel is one of the most important challenges facing researchers in this area. This paper presents a method to adjust automatically a fuzzy controller to manage the steering wheel of a mass-produced vehicle to reproduce the steering of a human driver. To this end, information is recorded about the car's state while being driven by human drivers and used to obtain, via genetic algorithms, appropriate fuzzy controllers that can drive the car in the way that humans do. These controllers have satisfy two main objectives: to reproduce the human behavior, and to provide smooth actions to ensure comfortable driving. Finally, the results of automated driving on a test circuit are presented, showing both good route tracking (similar to the performance obtained by persons in the same task) and smooth driving.

Implementación de un sistema multicanal de medida de temperatura con termopares

Este proyecto fin de carrera tiene como finalidad el diseño e implementación de un sistema multicanal de medida de temperaturas con termopares con procesado digital. Se ha realizado un prototipo de cuatro canales con conexión de termopar, que es el tipo de sensor utilizado para realizar dichas medidas. La tensión generada por el termopar es procesada mediante un conversor de termopar a digital con salida en interfaz modo serie o SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface). El control de dicha comunicación se realiza por medio de un Array de Puertas Lógicas Programables o FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), en concreto se ha utilizado una plataforma de desarrollo modelo Virtex-5 de la empresa Xilinx. Esta tarjeta se ha programado también para el procesado software y la posterior comunicación serie con el PC, el cual consta de una interfaz de usuario donde se muestran los resultados de las medidas en tiempo real. El proyecto ha sido desarrollado en colaboración con una empresa privada dedicada principalmente al diseño electrónico. La finalidad de este prototipo es el estudio de una actualización del bloque de medida para el control de las curvas de temperatura de un equipo de reparación aeronáutica. En esta memoria se describe el proceso realizado para el desarrollo del prototipo, incluye la presentación de los estudios realizados y la información necesaria para llevar a cabo el diseño, la fabricación y la programación de los diferentes bloques que componen el sistema. ABSTRACT. The aim of this project is to implement a multichannel temperature measurement system with digital processing, using thermocouples. A four-channel prototype with thermocouple connection has been built. The thermocouple voltage is converted to digital line using a Thermocouple-to-Digital Converter with a Serial Perpheral Interface (SPI) output. The master which controls this communication is embedded in a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), specifically the Xilinx Virtex-5 model. This FPGA also has the code for software temperature processing and the prototype to PC serial communication embedded. The PC user interface displays the measurement results in real time. This project has been developed at a private electronics design company. The company wants to study an update to change the analogue temperature controller equipment to a digital one. So this prototype studies a digital version of the temperature measurement block. The processes accomplished for the prototype development are detailed in the next pages of this document. It includes the studies and information needed to develop the design, manufacturing process and programming of the blocks which integrate with the global system.

A new approach to a model of the mammalian retina with optically programmable logic cells

This paper reports a model of the mammalian retina as well as an interpretation of some functions of the visual cortex. Its main objective is to simulate some of the behaviors observed at the different retina cells depending on the characteristics of the light impinging onto the photoreceptors. This simulation is carried out with a simple structure employed previously as basic building block of some optical computer architectures. Its possibility to perform any type of Boolean function allows a wide range of behaviors.

Synchronizing chaotic optically-programmable digital circuits

In this paper an approach to the synchronization of chaotic circuits has been reported. It is based on an optically programmable logic cell and the signals involved are fully digital. It is based on the reception of the same input signal on sender and receiver and from this approach, with a posterior correlation between both outputs, an identical chaotic output is obtained in both systems. No conversion from analog to digital signals is needed. The model here presented is based on a computer simulation.

Chaos synchronization in optically programmable logic cells

A possible approach to the synchronization of chaotic circuits is reported. It is based on an Optically Programmable Logic Cell and the signals are fully digital. A method to study the characteristics of the obtained chaos is reported as well as a new technique to compare the obtained chaos from an emitter and a receiver. This technique allows the synchronization of chaotic signals. The signals received at the receiver, composed by the addition of information and chaotic signals, are compared with the chaos generated there and a pure information signal can be detected. Its application to cryptography in Optical Communications comes directly from these properties. The model here presented is based on a computer simulation.

Sistema de control de temperatura a través de Arduino y la tecnología GPRS/GSM

El principal objetivo de este proyecto consiste en estudiar las posibilidades de desarrollo de un sistema para el control de la temperatura basado en la plataforma Arduino. Con el fin de alcanzar dicho objetivo, se ha implementado un sistema que permite la consulta y control de la temperatura ambiente a través de la red de comunicaciones móviles. Tras un análisis previo de las distintas placas Arduino, se evalúan una serie de módulos de expansión (shields) compatibles con dicha plataforma que nos permiten ampliar sus funcionalidades, dotando al dispositivo de un sistema de comunicación basado en la tecnología GPRS/GSM. Se estudian los diferentes sensores de temperatura compatibles con Arduino, además de una serie de actuadores que contribuyen al accionamiento y control de un posible termostato, así como al desarrollo de un pequeño sistema de alarma capaz de detectar temperaturas extremas. El proyecto concluye con el diseño de una aplicación basada en el entorno de desarrollo Arduino que nos permita evaluar las distintas capacidades de nuestro sistema, así como comunicarnos con la plataforma a través de SMS para el control remoto de la temperatura. ABSTRACT. The goal of the project consists of studying the developmental possibilities of a temperature control system based on the Arduino platform. In order to this, there has been implemented a system to consult and manage the environmental temperature through mobile communication networks. After a previous assessment of the different Arduino boards, there are analysed a set of expansion modules (shields) compatibles with the platform that enables us to upgrade the device functionalities with the GPRS/GSM communication protocol. Different temperature sensors compatible with Arduino have been studied. In addition, there are evaluated a set of actuators for the operation and control of a thermostat and also the development of a small alarm system that alerts of extremes temperatures. The project concludes with the design of an application based on the Arduino development environment which allows us to evaluate the different capabilities of our system as well as the communication with the platform by SMS for the remote temperature control.

Diseño de un sistema automático de medida de la constante de Planck en diodos LED

En este proyecto fin de carrera se ha diseñado y construido un equipo de medida automático que permite realizar la medida de la constante de Planck utilizando los principios de Funcionamiento de los diodos LED. El equipo de medida es totalmente automático gracias a la utilización de una placa controladora Arduino MEGA 2560, que se encarga de realizar la iluminación secuencial de cada LED, medir sus tensiones de funcionamiento, y de realizar los cálculos necesarios para hallar la constante de Planck. Todos los datos se muestran por una pantalla LCD de 16 caracteres por 2 lineas. Para comprender el funcionamiento del sistema de medida automático se ha realizado un estudio detallado de cada uno de los sistemas que componen el equipo de medida. Se ha explicado el funcionamiento teórico de los diodos LED y el funcionamiento de los semiconductores. Se ha explicando los diversos tipos de semiconductores que se utilizan para los LED y las modificaciones que se les aplica para mejorar su eficiencia. Para poder comprender en qué consiste la constante de Planck se ha explicado los principios teóricos en que se basa, y se ha realizado una pequeña demostración de su cálculo. Una vez visto todos los principios teóricos se ha pasado a realizar la explicación de cada uno de los grandes bloques que componen el sistema de medida automático. Estos bloques son la placa controladora Arduino, el sistema de iluminación LED, el sistema de control mecánico de LEDs, la pantalla LCD, el sistema de interrupciones y el sistema de alimentación. Para poder observar el espectro de emisión de cada uno de los LED se ha utilizado un analizador de espectros óptico (OSA), el cual ha sido explicado con detenimiento. El código de programación de Arduino ha sido explicado en forma de diagrama de flujo para una mayor facilidad de comprensión. Se ha desarrollado un manual de usuario para facilitar el uso del sistema a cualquier usuario, en el que se ha introducido un ejemplo completo de funcionamiento. ABSTRACT. In this final Project has designed and built an automatic measuring equipment which is able to measure the Planck`s constant using the operation principles of the LEDs. The measuring equipment is fully automated thanks to the use of an Arduino Mega 2560 controller board, which is responsible for conducting sequential illumination of each LED, measure their operating voltages, and perform the necessary calculations of find the Planck constant. All data is displayed by a LCD screen 16 character by 2 lines. To understand the operation of the automatic measuring system has been made a detailed study of each of the systems that make the measurement equipment. It develops the theoretical performance of the LED and the operation of semiconductors. It explains the different types of semiconductors that are used for LEDs and the changes applied to improve efficiency. In order to understand what is the Planck constant has been explained the theoretical principles in which it is based, and a small demonstration of its calculation has been performed. After seeing all the theoretical principles has been made the explanation of each of the main blocks that compose the automatic measuring system. These blocks are the Arduino controller board, LED lighting system, the mechanical control system LEDs, LCD screen, the interrupt system and feeding system. To observe the emission spectrum of each of the LED has been used optical spectrum analyzer (OSA), which has been explained in detail. The Arduino programming code has been explained in flowchart form for an easy understanding. It has developed a manual to facilitate the use of system to any user, which has introduced a complete example of operation.

Optically programmable logic cells as basic units for transmission and synchronization of chaotic signals

We proposed an optical communications system, based on a digital chaotic signal where the synchronization of chaos was the main objective, in some previous papers. In this paper we will extend this work. A way to add the digital data signal to be transmitted onto the chaotic signal and its correct reception, is the main objective. We report some methods to study the main characteristics of the resulting signal. The main problem with any real system is the presence of some retard between the times than the signal is generated at the emitter at the time when this signal is received. Any system using chaotic signals as a method to encrypt need to have the same characteristics in emitter and receiver. It is because that, this control of time is needed. A method to control, in real time the chaotic signals, is reported.