Recursive nonlinear observer design: beyond the uniform observability

We propose a recursive design scheme of a state observer for multiple-input-multiple-output, partly lower triangular nonlinear systems. The design begins from the subdynamics far from the output and propagates to the subdynamics close to the output, recalling the backstepping scheme for nonlinear control. The proposed class of systems is fairly general since it includes nonuniformly observable and/or detectable multioutput systems. Error convergence to zero is proved assuming boundedness of inputs a posteriori (i.e., after the design), which is preferable whereas most results in the literature assume the boundedness; a priori (i.e., before the design). A global observer is proposed with the global Lipschitz condition of the system, but without any restriction on the size of Lipschitz coefficient. The Lipschitz condition can be removed when a semiglobal observer is of interest.     

Various hybrid methods based on genetic algorithm with fuzzy logic controller

In this paper we propose several efficient hybrid methods based on genetic algorithms and fuzzy logic. The proposed hybridization methods combine a rough search technique, a fuzzy logic controller, and a local search technique. The rough search technique is used to initialize the population of the genetic algorithm (GA), its strategy is to make large jumps in the search space in order to avoid being trapped in local optima. The fuzzy logic controller is applied to dynamically regulate the fine-tuning structure of the genetic algorithm parameters (crossover ratio and mutation ratio). The local search technique is applied to find a better solution in the convergence region after the GA loop or within the GA loop. Five algorithms including one plain GA and four hybrid GAs along with some conventional heuristics are applied to three complex optimization problems. The results are analyzed and the best hybrid algorithm is recommended.     

Multiple Heuristics and Their Combination for Automatic WordNet Mapping

This paper presents an automatic construction of Korean WordNet from pre-existing lexical resources. We develop a set of automatic word sense disambiguation techniques to link a Korean word sense collected from a bilingual machine-readable dictionary to a single corresponding English WordNet synset. We show how individual links provided by each word sense disambiguation method can be non-linearly combined to produce a Korean WordNet from existing English WordNet for nouns.     

Interference-based micromechanical spectral equalizers

Dynamic gain equalization filters (DGEFs) are important for high-performance wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) communications. One of the first demonstrated DGEF used a micromechanical etalon filter array illuminated with free-space spectral demultiplexing optics. Here, we present subsequent research on etalon-based dynamic spectral filters, including vertical device structures which linearize and reduce the drive voltage from 70 to 40 V, and spatially-segmented etalons which allow channelized spectral equalization and further reduce drive voltage. We describe a prototype using a simplified cylindrical optomechanical package with a 104-nm broadband spectral response, 7.5-dB insertion loss and less than 16-V operation voltage. Finally, we show the use of a 42-nm bandwidth DGEF prototype with feedback stabilization to more than double the number of channels and operating bandwidth of a conventional Erbium-doped fiber amplifier while maintaining < 1-dB power uniformity.     

Risk Assessment Methodology for Underground Construction Projects

This paper presents a risk assessment methodology for underground construction projects. A formalized procedure and associated tools were developed to assess and manage the risks involved in underground construction. The suggested risk assessment procedure is composed of four steps of identifying, analyzing, evaluating, and managing the risks inherent in construction projects. The main tool of the proposed risk assessment methodology is the risk analysis software. The risk analysis software is built upon an uncertainty model based on fuzzy concept. The fuzzy-based uncertainty model is designed to consider the uncertainty range that represents the degree of uncertainties involved in both (1) probabilistic parameter estimates and (2) subjective judgments. Other tools developed in this study include the survey sheets for collecting risk-related information and the detail check sheets for risk identification and analysis. The paper finally discusses a detailed case study of the developed risk assessment methodology performed for a subway construction project in Korea.     

Development of a prototype customer-oriented virtual factory system

Current Computer integrated manufacturing/Enterprise Resource Planning (CIM/ERP) systems require harmony and communication between humans and facilities. A user’s preferences should also be considered in CIM/ERP systems. Virtual factory (VF), also known as virtual manufacturing (VM), systems can fulfill the requirements of current CIM/ERP systems. A VF system simulates virtual production in a virtual factory environment on the computer system which allows optimization prior to going into production. In this paper, we defined a VF system as a pre-analyzing system for designing, engineering and manufacturing a product in the enterprise system of the real world. The objective of this paper is to design a VF system and to develop a prototype system that the customer can participate in and be satisfied with. We selected a telephone as a sample product for the VF system. The VF system consists of four subsystems: virtual product ordering, design, manufacturing, and CIM/ERP interface. The prototype system aims to develop a virtual product ordering and design system.     

Frequency response analysis of cylindrical shells conveying fluid using finite element method

A finite element vibration analysis of thin-watled cylindrical shells conveying fluid with uniform velocity is presented The dynamic behavior of thin-walled shell is based on the Sanders’ theory and the fluid in cyhndrical shell is considered as inviscid and incompressible so that it satisfies the Laplace’s equation A beam-like shell element is used to reduce the number of degrees-of-freedom by restricting to the circumferential modes of cylindrical shell An estimation of frequency response function of the pipe considering of the coupled effects of the internal fluid is presented A dynamic coupling condition of the interface between the fluid and the structure is used The effective thickness of fluid according to circumferential modes is also discussed The influence of fluid velocity on the frequency response function is illustrated and discussed The results by this method are compared with published lesults and those by commercial tools     

Local collision avoidance of multiple robots using avoidability measure and relative distance

This paper presents a new method driving multiple robots to their goal position without collision. To consider the movement of the robots in a work area, we adopt the concept of avoidability measure. The avoidability measure figures the degree of how easily a robot can avoid other robots considering the velocity of the robots. To implement the concept to avoid collision among multiple robots, relative distance between the robots is proposed. The relative distance is a virtual distance between robots indicating the threat of collision between the robots. Based on the relative distance, the method calculates repulsive force against a robot from the other robots. Also, attractive force toward the goal position is calculated in terms of the relative distance. These repulsive force and attractive force are added to form the driving force for robot motion. The proposed method is simulated for several cases. The results show that the proposed method steers robots to open space anticipating the approach of other robots. In contrast, since the usual potential field method initiates avoidance motion later than the proposed method, it sometimes fails preventing collision or causes hasty motion to avoid other robots. The proposed method works as a local collision-free motion coordination method in conjunction with higher level of task planning and path planning method for multiple robots to do a collaborative job.     

A photomosaic image generation method using photo annotation in a social network environment

With the growing use of social networking services, various applications have been developed to utilize their vast capabilities. Photomosaic techniques, which combine many images to create a new rendering of an input image, can benefit from the capabilities of social networks. In this study, we propose a method that generates a photomosaic image by considering social network context. Our algorithm creates a photomosaic that incorporates photos posted by other users in the users network . We enable the matching function to easily select photos from the albums of users who are connected to the owner of the input image, by computing the closeness of those connections. Moreover, our technique allows the photos in the albums of friends who are annotated in the source image to be matched more effectively.     

Effects of electron beam irradiation on microbial inactivation and quality of kimchi paste during storage

The effects of electron beam irradiation on microbial inactivation and quality of noninoculated and inoculated (Listeria monocytogenes) kimchi pastes were examined. Kimchi paste samples were irradiated at doses of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 kGy and stored for 21 days at 4 °C. Irradiation (10 kGy) reduced the populations of total aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeast and moulds in the samples by 1.72, 2.24 and 0.86 log CFU g^?1, respectively, compared to the control. In particular, coliforms were not detected at 8 and 10 kGy, and the population of L. monocytogenes in inoculated samples was significantly decreased by 2.67 log CFU g^?1. Electron beam irradiation delayed the changes in O₂ and CO₂ concentrations, pH, acidity and reducing sugar content observed in kimchi paste during storage. These results suggest that electron beam irradiation can be used to improve the microbiological safety and shelf life of kimchi paste.