Abstract: A fuzzy logic based navigation module for use on a semi-autonomous vehicle computes the safety of moving from predefined local regions to adjacent local regions for the purpose of planning a safe path for the vehicle to take to reach its intended destination. Image understanding software provides the input to the system in the form of values for linguistic variables for each local region which impact the safe movement of the vehicle. Using a five level hierarchial rule base structure, the fuzzy inference process computes intermediate and final safety values which are affected not only by local conditions but also by nearby conditions in order to allow a minimum clearance for the vehicle.

Abstract: This real time adaptive control and method of controlling a spot welding process compensates for electrode wear, oxidized surfaces, fit up variations and machine variations. Workpiece thermal growth is the measurement discriminant and the welding machine heat command is the control input. The control utilizes a least squares estimator to monitor the process and workpiece displacement, a precompensator to shape a desired displacement trajectory command, and a model reference control with a Smith-predictor to compensate for time delays and a proportional-integral-derivative compensator. The model reference control has a mathematical model of the spot welding process and calculates an estimated displacement using a predicated process gain and bias calculated by the estimator. The estimated displacement is compared to the precompensator displacement trajectory and an error is generated which regulates the heat command through the PID compensator.

Abstract: A technique for providing a solderless connection between data/servo flex circuits and magnetic heads in disc drives is presented. The solderless connection is particularly well suited for making the electrical connection between a thin film head on one end of a Whitney Suspension Mechanism (WSM) and a flex circuit which is at the other end of the WSM.