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The article presents use of a linguistic fuzzy-logic control (LFLC) system for mechatronic system modelling and control. The presented applications were verified on real laboratory tasks in the Laboratory of Intelligent Systems at the University of Ostrava. The LFLC system was developed at the University of Ostrava, Institute for Research and Applications of Fuzzy Modeling. This technology enables users to describe the system behaviour and/or the control strategy as a set of fuzzy rules. Input and output variables scales are defined by contexts and their change allows using the same system description for systems with similar behaviour very easily.

Decision support systems mean interactive computer systems, which assist to decision making subjects to utilize both data and models to solve non-structured issues. These systems were established mainly on the basis of a risk analysis, utilizing the experience/skills, conclusion making and intuition, enabling very fast and flexible analysis with a good response, enabling the application of manager intuition and judgment this way. However, such decisions are often based on uncertain information. This fact requires the establishment of other decision support models.

The paper presents concept and application of mathematical and simulation model of variable-speed drives (hereafter VSD or VSDs). The models were/are used in rolling mills engineering, commissioning and maintenance. The VSDs are the main actuators there. In order to reach optimal performance in terms of material tolerances, wear and tear, and reliability it is necessary to have good VSD control which meets not only technology targets but also properties of the VSD mechanical train (set of motor rotors, shafts, gear boxes, couplings, clutches, spindles, working and backup rolls, etc.). Only the optimal VSD control and appropriate operation and maintenance can ensure trouble-free operation and long lifetime of the VSDs. We have been dealing with the VSDs models since 1990. Since then we have used the models in many practical applications. Currently, we concentrate mainly on an optimal and advanced interstand section control. Apart from various PID control strategies, also Fuzzy control has been tested and analyzed. The paper mentions some of our experiences we have achieved in this area.

Stroke is the third most frequent cause of death. Specifically, ischemic stroke accounts for the largest group of this kind of cases. Despite all the advances in medical therapeutic methods, no methods that would reliably reduce mortality from ischemic stroke have been found. Prevention is still the most significant way to combat stroke. When the frequent cause of ischemic stroke is atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid artery, its exploration can help to determine the development of the disease. These problems were very extensively discussed in October 2013 during the XVI International Neurosonology Congress in Sofia organized under the auspices of World Research Neurosonology Group, Bulgarian Neurosonology and Cerebral Hemodynamics Association. Our goal was to develop special modules for carotid artery picture processing (AVI file processing, reparation and reconstruction) and modules containing tools for automated carotid artery plaque detection; and to solve its measurement and three-dimensional modelling of the carotid artery and the plaque. New modules were implemented into the FOTOMNGsystem and tested on appropriate input data files, which verified their functionality and applicability.

This paper describes the advances in the development and subsequent testing of an imaging device for three-dimensional ultrasound measurement of atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid artery. The embolization from the atherosclerotic carotid plaque is one of the most common causes of ischemic stroke and, therefore, we consider the measurement of the plaque as extremely important. The paper describes the proposed hardware for enhancing the standard ultrasonic probe to provide a possibility of accurate probe positioning and synchronization with the cardiac activity, allowing the precise plaque measurements that were impossible with the standard equipment. The synchronization signal is derived from the output signal of the patient monitor (electrocardiogram (ECG)), processed by a microcontroller-based system, generating the control commands for the linear motion moving the probe. The controlling algorithm synchronizes the movement with the ECG waveform to obtain clear images not disturbed by the heart activity.