A simple robust control for global asymptotic position stabilization of underactuated surface vessels

Global asymptotic stabilization of underactuated surface vessels is generally achieved only by designing complicated controllers. This paper proposes a very simple control law that globally asymptotically stabilizes the position of underactuated surface vessel to a desired constant location and its velocities to zero. The proposed controller is independent of velocity signals and is robust to model parameters. It neither includes an observer nor an adaptive/sliding‐mode law. Controller development and stability analysis rely on a novel Lyapunov function and LaSalle's theorem. Furthermore, by extending the proposed control strategy, a saturated control law is also obtained ensuring the semiglobal asymptotic stability of position error system. Effectiveness of the proposed control schemes is demonstrated by simulation examples. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Robust periodically time‐varying horizon finite memory fault detection filter design for polytopic uncertain discrete‐time systems

In this paper, a robust periodically time‐varying horizon finite memory fault detection filter (PTVHFM‐FDF) is proposed to generate residual signal for the purpose of system monitoring. The major advantage of PTVHFM‐FDF is that finite historical data can be sufficiently utilized to enhance the robustness of fault detection against model uncertainty and external disturbance. The analysis, design, and application of PTVHFM‐FDF consist of several steps. Firstly, a periodic time‐varying residual error system is constructed on the basis of augmented method and time domain partition method. Secondly, in facilitating robust stability and performance analysis, the time‐varying residual error system is further transformed into a polyhedral time‐invariant system on the basis of time lifting technique. Thirdly, less conservative PTVHFM‐FDF analysis and design conditions are then obtained on the basis of Finsler relaxation lemma and slack variable structure definition. Fourthly, choices of memory window horizon parameters are properly suggested on the basis of a compromise between FDF robustness and its structural complexity. Finally, an integrated design and application algorithm of PTVHFM‐FDF is summarized. Effectiveness of PTVHFM‐FDF is verified through three examples. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Continuous output‐feedback control for a class of switched high‐order planar systems and its application

This paper deals with the problem of continuous output‐feedback stabilization for a class of switched high‐order planar systems under arbitrary switchings. Based on the common Lyapunov function design method, by using the adding a power integrator technique and designing an implementable observer, a continuous output‐feedback controller is constructed such that the closed‐loop system is global stabilization and the output can be regulated to the origin. As an application, the developed strategy is utilized to the control design for the continuous stirred tank reactor with two modes feed stream. The simulation results verify the efficiency of the proposed design scheme. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Assessment of drivers' visual perception of information displayed in LED traffic signs at road construction sites

This study investigated drivers' visual perception of information displayed in LED traffic signs under different levels of environmental luminance. Concerning the information displayed, the environmental luminance comprised four luminance contrasts, two arrow types, and three environmental luminances, which were used to identify the visibility of traffic signs at the reading distance. Regarding visible distance, visibility involved reading starting and end points, extent of glare, comfortable distance, and glare distance. According to the study results obtained by using a highly reliable glare assessment method and studying the LED traffic signs, the lower the luminance contrast of traffic signs was the higher glare the participants perceived. A luminance contrast of 6200:2066 cd/m² provided the farthest comfortable and glare distances, enabling drivers to notice the signs comparatively earlier and have sufficient time to react accordingly. Overall, arrow type “<<<” outperformed “←” because the former was easier for drivers to read and created less glare. Regarding environmental luminance, traffic signs displayed in high and medium luminance environments (i.e., extremely sunny and cloudy days, respectively) each featured their own advantage, whereas those displayed in low luminance environments (nights) have to be further improved.     

Hybrid tunable lens for eliminating optical aberration and enlarging optical power

In this paper, we propose a hybrid tunable lens based on electrowetting effect for eliminating optical aberration. By integrating a doublet lens in the front surface of a tunable lens, the proposed lens can achieve good image quality and obtain high optical power. Experimental results demonstrate that both two advantages can be achieved for the hybrid tunable lens. It can also reduce the operating voltage by ～5 V to reach the same focal length, and it has compact structure, light weight, and good image quality.     

Development of a 3D HUD using a tunable bandpass filter for wavelength multiplexing

A 3D stereoscopic head‐up display using a tunable bandpass filter to perform left and right image spectral separation is presented. Using a single filter reduces the size and the cost of the head‐up display optical engine and enables each spectral band to be accurately tuned. Experiments performed on the first prototype demonstrate the ability to continuously tune the bandpass frequency on 30‐nm range while keeping a 20‐nm bandwidth. Such a system avoids the use of a bulky and costly rotating wheel and enables the use of holographic optical elements known to be wavelength selective.     

A small‐area and low‐power data driver IC using two‐stage DAC with a capacitor array for active matrix flat‐panel displays

A small‐area and low‐power data driver integrated circuit (IC) using a two‐stage digital‐to‐analog converter (DAC) with a capacitor array is proposed for active matrix flat‐panel displays. The proposed data driver IC employs a capacitor array in the two‐stage DAC so as to reduce the DAC area and eliminate the need for a resistor string, which has high‐power consumption. To verify the proposed two‐stage DAC, a 20‐channel data driver IC with the proposed 10‐bit two‐stage DAC was fabricated using a 0.18‐μm complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor process with 1.8 and 6 V complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor devices. The proposed 10‐bit two‐stage DAC occupies only 43.8% of the area of a conventional 10‐bit two‐stage DAC. The measurement results show that the differential nonlinearity and integral nonlinearity are +0.58/?0.52 least significant bit and +0.62/?0.59 least significant bit, respectively. The measured interchannel deviation of the voltage outputs is 8.8 mV, and the measured power consumption of the 20‐channel data driver IC is reduced to 7.1 mW, which is less than half of the power consumed by the conventional one.     

Development of active matrix LCD for use in high‐resolution adaptive headlights

Conventional adaptive driving beam headlamps are limited in achieving still higher quantities of switchable pixels by the number of LEDs and movable elements needed. In this paper, it is shown that by integrating an active matrix liquid crystal display module, it is possible to realize fully adaptive high‐resolution headlights without mechanical elements and a finite number of LED with 30 k switchable pixels.     

A service recovery method to enhance customer satisfaction with a case study of motion sport game

Service recovery is a concept that involves regaining customer satisfaction and loyalty. Although existing studies have addressed its importance, few service recovery methodologies have been developed. Thus, there is a need to develop a systematic framework that can first detect customer status and then provide appropriate recovery recommendations to ensure customer satisfaction. This study develops such a framework in relation to an individual health maintenance practice. While regular moderate exercise is known to promote good health and help prevent disease, the lack of exercise remains a crucial health issue. This study presents a logistic regression model that uses both physiological data (heart rate and blood pressure) and psychological data (ratings of perceived exertion) to detect the effectiveness of an individual's exercise and to provide sports‐related service recovery suggestions as needed. To implement and assess this service recovery model, the use of a motion gaming system is proposed.     

A frame‐based EM‐simulation for design of LC oscillator with MoM capacitor banks

This article presents a simulation method for the design of a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO). Electromagnetic (EM) simulations are essential and inevitable for modern LC oscillator design. Although EM‐simulators provide high accuracy, the EM‐simulation time is very long when metal‐oxide‐metal (MoM) capacitors are present. The proposed frame‐based EM‐simulation can significantly reduce the EM‐simulation time even in the presence of MoM capacitors without influencing the accuracy. To verify the proposed method, a DCO was fabricated using a 55‐nm CMOS process. Measurements of the DCO are in good agreement with the frame‐based post‐layout simulation results. In addition, the DCO has good performances with a low power consumption of approximately 0.68 mW.