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This paper proposes and discusses a model predictive control approach to hybrid systems with discrete inputs only. The algorithm, which takes into account a model of a hybrid system, described as a mixed logical dynamical system, is based on a performance-driven reachability analysis. The algorithm abstracts the behavior of the hybrid system by building a "tree of evolution." The nodes of the tree represent the reachable states of a process, and the branches connect two nodes if a transition exists between the corresponding states. A cost-function value is associated with each node, and based on this value the exploration of the tree is driven. As soon as the exploration of the tree is finished, the corresponding input is applied to the system and the procedure is repeated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model predictive control (MPC) offers several advantages for control of chemical processes. However, the standard MPC may do a poor job in suppressing the effects of certain disturbances. This shortcoming is mainly due to the assumption that disturbances remain constant over the prediction horizon. In this paper, a simple disturbance predictor (SDP) is developed to provide predictions of the unmodeled deterministic disturbances for a simplified MPC algorithm. The prediction is developed by curve fitting of the past information. A tuning parameter is employed to handle a variety of disturbance dynamics and a procedure is presented to find an optimum value of the tuning parameter online. A comparison is made with the commonly used disturbance prediction on three example problems. The results show that an improved regulatory performance and zero offset can be achieved under both regular and ramp output disturbances by using the proposed disturbance predictor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new method of multivariable predictive control is presented. The main advantage of a predictive approach is that multivariable plants with time delays can be easily handled. The proposed control algorithm also introduces a compact and simple design in the case of higher-order and nonminimal phase plants, but it is limited to open-loop stable plants. The algorithm of the proposed multivariable predictive control is developed, designed, and implemented on an air-conditioned system. The stability of the proposed control law is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper a global vision scheme for estimation of positions and orientations of mobile robots is presented. It is applied to robot soccer application which is a fast dynamic game and therefore needs an efficient and robust vision system implemented. General applicability of the vision system can be found in other robot applications such as mobile transport robots in production, warehouses, attendant robots, fast vision tracking of targets of interest and entertainment robotics. Basic operation of the vision system is divided into two steps. In the first, the incoming image is scanned and pixels are classified into a finite number of classes. At the same time, a segmentation algorithm is used to find corresponding regions belonging to one of the classes. In the second step, all the regions are examined. Selection of the ones that are a part of the observed object is made by means of simple logic procedures. The novelty is focused on optimization of the processing time needed to finish the estimation of possible object positions. Better results of the vision system are achieved by implementing camera calibration and shading correction algorithm. The former corrects camera lens distortion, while the latter increases robustness to irregular illumination conditions. Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a nonlinear proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, combining a pattern based adaptive algorithm to cope with the problem of tuning the controller, and an associative memory to store the parameters, according to different operating conditions. The simplicity of the algorithm enables its implementation in current programmable logic controller technology. Several real-time experiments, carried out in a pressurized tank, illustrate the performance of the proposed controller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PID control is well known and widely applied in industry and many design algorithms are readily available in the literature. However, systematic design of multi-loop or decentralized PID control for multivariable processes to meet certain objectives simultaneously is still a challenging task. Designing multi-loop PID controllers such that the process variables satisfy the generalized covariance constraints is studied in this paper. A convergent computational algorithm is proposed to calculate the multi-loop PID controller for a process with stable disturbances. This algorithm is then extended to a process with random-walk disturbances. The feasibility of the proposed algorithm is verified by applying it to several simulation examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Model-based predictive control is an advanced control strategy that uses a move suppression factor or constrained optimization methods for achieving satisfactory closed-loop dynamic responses of complex systems. While these approaches are suitable for many processes, they are formulated on the selection of certain parameters that are ambiguous and also computationally demanding which makes them less suited for tight control of fast processes. In this paper, a new dynamic matrix control (DMC) algorithm is proposed that reduces inherent ill-conditioning by allowing the process prediction time step to exceed the control time step. The main feature, that stands in contrast with current DMC approaches, is that the original open-loop data are used to evaluate a "shifting factor" m in the controller matrix where m replaces the move suppression coefficient. The new control algorithm is practically demonstrated on a fast reacting process with better control being realized in comparison with DMC using move suppression. The algorithm also gives improved closed-loop responses for control simulations on a multivariable nonlinear process having variable dead-time, and on other models found in the literature. The shifting factor m is generic and can be effectively applied for any control horizon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]