The hardware design of a speaker‐independent speech recognizer

Abstract

This paper presents a hardware approach to the realization of a speaker‐independent speech recognizer. This hardware includes a feature normalizer, a vector quantizer, and a hidden Markov model (HMM) scoring processor. It can meet real time requirements in moderate vocabulary applications. The finite‐register‐length effect is investigated so that the register length for representing the model parameters and the computation results can be determined. An error analysis for the HMM scoring procedure is also derived.     

Primary Incentive Plan Design Considerations According to a Review of Key Influential Works

Abstract

One of the key challenges engineering managers face is how to enhance the level of performance of their employees. Existing guidelines and tools regarding the implementation of an incentive plan do not cover the primary design considerations sufficiently. This research identifies thirteen primary incentive plan design considerations (PICs), the most important considerations that must be taken into account in the design or development of an incentive plan, through a systematic and structured identification process. The thirteen PICs are a unique amalgamation from influential research papers that deal with incentives and motivation from various disciplines. These considerations can be used by engineering managers, in conjunction with existing guides or toolkits, as an aid during the design, review, or implementation of an incentive plan.     

An object-oriented modeling framework for representing uncertainty in early variant design

This article presents a framework for the representation of uncertainty in the early design of complex adaptive products such as automobiles. The core of the framework is an object-oriented approach in which design objects and their inter-relationships may be modeled, and in which both the design attributes and the product structure may be uncertain. Relationship objects allow product variants and design alternatives to be represented. In addition to the design model, derivation methods for design attributes may be modeled, and methods may be incorporated to allow the deterministic or probabilistic computation of attributes. The modeling framework is the basis of a risk modeling tool, RiTo, in which Monte Carlo simulation is used to compute estimates for costs and other design attributes together with their probability of achievement in the final design. Uncertainties may be aggregated and levels of uncertainty in different parts of the model may be continually analysed and assessed. The framework also provides a mechanism for accumulating product knowledge, in particular knowledge concerning relationships between elements of part and assembly models, product volumes and manufacturing considerations.

A numerical methodology to assess the quality of the design velocity field computation methods in shape sensitivity analysis

The velocity field in shape sensitivity analysis is not uniquely defined although it must meet numerous theoretical and practical criteria. These practical criteria can be used to compare the existing velocity field computation methods which meet the theoretical criteria, but only in qualitative terms. When the FEM is used in design sensitivity analysis (DSA), due to the FE discretization error, the DSA errors will depend on the design velocity field considered. This paper presents a numerical methodology for quality evaluation of design velocity field computation methods in quantitative terms based on the analysis of the DSA discretization error. The sensitivity of the squared energy norm (χ_m = ?∥u∥2/?a_m, a_m being a design variable) has been taken as the magnitude to measure the error of the DSA. For h‐refinements, the squared error in energy norm (∥ e ( u ) ∥²) and the error in χ_m(e(χ_m)) are theoretically related by a constant which is independent of the refinement degree of the FE model. The quality of the design velocity field computation methods can therefore be assessed in terms of the stability of e(χ_m) /∥e(u) ∥2 in sequences of meshes. An example of the use of this methodology, where six design velocity field computation methods are compared, is presented. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

LQG/LTR loop shaping design with an application to position control

Abstract

In contrast to the conventional LQG method using calculus of variations, this paper presents an alternative approach based on operator theory and spectrum factorization. This approach, which works toward transfer function domain, has merits in its simple and straightforward development. The novelty of this method is not the results achieved, but rather in their derivation. A loop shaping design procedure which incorporates the classical loop shaping into LQG/LTR synthesis is developed such that the robustness properties of the optimal full state feedback are guaranteed at both the plant input and the plant output. The design procedure is applied to a position controller design in a servo system, and the performance is evaluated by a digital signal processor, the TMS320C30. Experimental results have shown effectiveness of this design method.     

An abductive propositional logic for design reasoning

Abstract

Design can be seen as a reasoning process based on non‐classic logic, in which non‐monotonicity and abduction are two essential features. This paper introduces Abductive Propositional Logic (APL), which is a simple but powerful formal system to deal with these two features. To show its capabilities, APL is used to analyze the reasoning of a conceptual design of a scooter. The results reveal that APL is not only a profound basis for developing computer supported design systems, but also a useful tool for analyzing design processes.     

Metaphor and simplification strategies in the design of tourist guidebooks

Abstract

Tourist guidebooks play an important role in providing supplementary information to travelers during their journeys and enable them to identify orientation and location and obtain other information. Hence, the design of icons used in tourist guidebooks is crucial. A fundamental design principle for indicative icons is that they should be simple and easy to understand. In this study, 66 university students were recruited in order to experimentally investigate how two strategies – simplification and metaphor – affect the design of tourist guidebooks. The findings demonstrate that to achieve ‘semantic conveyance,’ the use of metaphor or simplification combined with metaphor can provide the optimal effect. For ‘design quality,’ the use of simplification has the most significant effect. For ‘symbolic significance’ and ‘comprehensive evaluation,’ metaphor or simplification combined with metaphor can achieve the most significant effect. Finally, this paper proposes recommendations and considerations for future studies.     

Design electrically calibrated pyroelectric radiometer

Abstract

The electrically calibrated pyroelectric radiometer (ECPR) has been constructed. The system is composed of a nichrome‐film‐coated LiTaO₃ pyroelectric detector, signal conditioning circuits, a heating circuit, a chopper system, and a microprocessor for power computation and synchronization as well as power display. It has been tested and compared with a commercial optical power meter with good consistence. Design considerations of the detector are discussed.     

JOINT CONFIGURATION OF BACKBONE AND LOGICAL NETWORKS ON A RECONFIGURABLE PACKET-SWITCHED NETWORK WITH UNRELIABLE LINKS

Abstract

This paper considers a problem of configuring both backbone and logical networks in a reconfigurable packet-switched network where links are subject to failures. The objective is to design feasible backbone and logical networks at least cost where the network cost includes backbone link capacity expansion cost and average packet delay penalty cost due to link failures. The problem is formulated as a zero-one non-linear mixed integer programming problem, for which an effective solution procedure is developed by using a Lagrangean relaxation technique for finding a lower bound and a heuristic method is exploited for improving the upper bound of an intermediate solution. The solution procedure is tested for its effectiveness with various numerical examples.     

Cost‐effective algorithms for processor arrays with reconfigurable bus systems

Abstract

A processor array with a reconfigurable bus system (abbreviated to PARBS) is a computation model which consists of a processor array and a reconfigurable bus system. It is a very powerful computation model in that it possesses the ability to solve many problems efficiently. However, most existing efficient algorithms on PARBS's use a large number of processors to solve problems. For example, to determine the maximum (minimum) of n data items in O(l) time, O(n ²) processors are required [12]. To solve the all‐pairs shortest paths and the minimum spanning tree problems in O(log n) time, O(n ⁴) processors are required [20]. These networks will therefore become very expensive for large n. In this paper, we introduce the concept of iterative‐PARBS, which is similar to the FOR‐loop construct in sequential programming languages. The iterative‐PARBS is a building block through which the processing data can be routed several times. We can think of it as a “hardware subroutine.’’ Based on this scheme, it is possible to explore more cost‐effective, time‐efficient parallel algorithms for use in a PARBS. The following new results are derived in this study: 1. The minimum (maximum) of n data items can be determined in O(l) time on a PARBS with O(n ^1+? ) processors for any fixed 8 > 0.

2. The all‐pairs shortest paths and the minimum spanning tree problems can be solved in O (log n) time on a PARBS with O(n ^3+? ) processors for any fixed 8 > 0.

     

Modeling and image‐making as a two‐way process in architectural design studies

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of modeling and image‐making on architecture design. This paper studies the construction process of geometric objects and images in either direction. Relevant modeling issues include cost, scene and object, and structural and amount of visual detail. A method integrating between model and image is proposed toward solving conflict problems between the algorithmic and design processes. The conflicts are related to the need for a two‐way process and meta‐level manipulation between modeling and rendering. Segregation between modeling and image‐making is connected to achieve effective communication between designer and designed objects.     

Direct sequence voice scrambling scheme‐a new technique for secure communications

Abstract

Communication security is getting more and more important. Although the encryption of digitized speech is very attractive, direct scrambling of the analog speech waveforms continues to be an important approach due to a strong desire for the use of existing telephone networks with standard telephone bandwidth at acceptable speech quality and cost. In this paper, a new approach for analog speech scrambling, a Direct Sequence Voice Scrambling (DSVS) scheme, is proposed, in which the spread spectrum concept is borrowed but combined with a newly developed bandwidth reduction technique. The system design, performance analysis, practical considerations and simulation results are presented in detail in this paper. The analysis indicates that the DSVS scheme can provide the following advantages: small residual intelligibility, high degree of security, small bandwidth expansion, no time delay and only slight degradation of speech quality.     

ESCSD – expert system for control system design

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to design an expert system for control system design. The architecture of ESCSD is designed and implemented using CLIPS, which is an expert system building tool. The achievements of ESCSD are extracting the heuristics of design approaches, building design methods into knowledge‐bases, partitioning of knowledge‐bases, and providing explanation facilities. The user interface of ESCSD is icon‐based with pop‐up menus for user selections. We have demonstrated in this paper that this kind of user interface is better than previous similar systems, where complex dialogues are required. Also, due to the flexible partitions of the knowledge‐bases, ESCSD can be implemented successfully on the IBM PC with a limited 640K‐byte MSDOS environment. It is further explained that, regardless of the computer size, the knowledge‐bases must be partitioned into the smallest entities to allow future expansion. Several design examples are fully illustrated to clarify the advantages of using the expert system to design control systems.     

A Tutorial on Quality Function Deployment

ABSTRACT

Quality function deployment (QFD) helps to introduce the idea of quality in early phases of the design cycle and to reevaluate quality considerations throughout the system's entire life cycle. This article presents a tutorial example of using QFD to design a product. It shows which quality controls in the manufacturing process are most important to ensure customer satisfaction.     

1994 ASEM Conference Information and Registration Form

Abstract:

Complex investment decisions by corporate executives often require the comparison of dissimilar attributes and competing technologies. A technique to evaluate qualitative input from experts using a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method is described to select a new reactor technology for a merchant nuclear generator. The capital cost, risks from design, licensing and construction, reactor safety, and security considerations are some of the diverse considerations when choosing a reactor design. The uncertainty inherent in experts' opinions for the attribute weighting in the MCDM is modeled through the use of probabilistic inversion. After creating a distribution, random samples from the distribution are used to analyze the “strength” of the results. The decision results for the pool of experts identified the U.S. EPR as their optimal choice.     

Literature review on disruption recovery in the supply chain*

Recent research underlines the crucial role of disruption events and recovery policies in supply chains. Despite a wealth of literature on supply chain design with disruption considerations, to the best of our knowledge there is no survey on supply chain with disruptions and recovery considerations. We analyse state-of-the-art research streams on supply chain design and planning with both disruptions and recovery considerations with the aim of relating the existing quantitative methods to empirical research. The paper structures and classifies existing research streams and application areas of different quantitative methods subject to different disruption risks and recovery measures. We identify gaps in current research and delineate future research avenues. The results of this study are twofold: operations and supply chain managers can observe which quantitative tools are available for different application areas; on the other hand, limitations and future research needs for decision-support methods in supply chain risk management domains can be identified.     

Dual nonlinear correlator based on computer controlled joint transform processor: Digital analysis and optical results

Abstract

The hybrid optoelectronic processor, presented in this paper, realizes the dual nonlinear correlation (DNC) in a set-up based on a two-step nonlinear joint transform correlator architecture. In the first step three power spectrum distributions (input scene power spectrum, reference target power spectrum, and the joint power spectrum) necessary for the nonlinear processing are captured with a CCD camera. Nonlinear modification of the joint power spectrum, which does not have to be symmetrical in the input and reference channels, is introduced digitally. In the second step, the modified joint power spectrum is Fourier transformed optically. Numerical analysis of this processor shows a crucial influence of the dynamic range and the limited number of grey levels of the CCD camera during image acquisition in the first step, on the output signal parameters and the discrimination capability of the set-up. Optical results of recognition obtained for noise-free segmented input scenes show that the set-up enables the realization of various correlation operations as CMF, POF, IF, PPC, etc. without any filters and that the discrimination capability is easy to control by a proper selection of the type of nonlinear processing.     

Understanding the role of intuition in decision-making when designing for experiences: contributions from cognitive psychology

In the cognitive sciences, intuition is described as a way of processing information based on automatic, affective and personal standards, but it is not the opposite of rationality. Designers generate solutions to daily issues, which forces them to make decisions that cannot be always understood rationally. Designing for experiences is a delicate practice in a rational perspective, since the designer's interpretation on how to trigger particular experiences can be highly influenced by intuition. Designers have a choice to use intuition in the design process without control, or to understand the process and use it consciously. In this context, self-knowing is a key factor in intentional intuiting. This paper aims at discussing how intuition works when professionals design for experiences and, by providing the basis to understand the process, offers inputs on how to deal with it, avoiding biases in the design practice and helping to develop self-knowledge.

Relevance to ergonomics theory

In recent decades, ergonomics has been concerned with the understanding of designing to evoke or prevent particular experiences among users. The designer's challenge is to interpret users’ bodily experiences, commonly without awareness of the situation or context in which they are perceived. The design process is often affected by intuition and its role needs to be understood by professionals in order to be used accurately. Theoretical inputs from cognitive psychology are discussed in relation to the design practice, to help improve ergonomics theory in the context of intuition in designing for experiences.

The paper indicates that a designer can make a conscious decision to use intuition when designing for experiences. The use of intentional intuiting in this context does not exclude rational thinking, but complements it and helps qualifying design decision-making, since it reduces the use of biased subjectiveness in the interpretation on how to evoke or prevent particular experiences. The training of intentional intuiting is possible but challenging since it takes time, and the keys to successful use of intuition lay in self-knowing and appropriate state of mind of a designer.     

A high performance step up/down three phase AC to DC converter

Abstract

In this paper, a new three phase AC to DC converter is proposed to achieve a sinusoidal current waveform and the unity power factor at the input, and clean DC at the output. Control of the converter is so simple that only one PWM control circuit with fixed switching frequency is required. In addition, the new converter has both step‐up and step‐down capabilities. Also, no current sensor is required for the current control. The small signal model and some design considerations are also presented. Finally, some experimental results are provided for the purposes of demonstration.