Abstract: A Soft Computing (SC) optimizer for designing a Knowledge Base (KB) to be used in a control system for controlling a suspension system is described. The SC optimizer includes a fuzzy inference engine based on a Fuzzy Neural Network (FNN). The SC Optimizer provides Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) structure selection, FIS structure optimization method selection, and teaching signal selection and generation. The user selects a fuzzy model, including one or more of: the number of input and/or output variables; the type of fuzzy inference model (e.g., Mamdani, Sugeno, Tsukamoto, etc.); and the preliminary type of membership functions. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used to optimize linguistic variable parameters and the input-output training patterns. A GA is also used to optimize the rule base, using the fuzzy model, optimal linguistic variable parameters, and a teaching signal. The GA produces a near-optimal FNN. The near-optimal FNN can be improved using classical derivative-based optimization procedures.

Abstract: A control system using a genetic analyzer based on discrete constraints is described. In one embodiment, a genetic algorithm with step-coded chromosomes is used to develop a teaching signal that provides good control qualities for a controller with discrete constraints, such as, for example, a step-constrained controller. In one embodiment, the control system uses a fitness (performance) function that is based on the physical laws of minimum entropy. In one embodiment, the genetic analyzer is used in an off-line mode to develop a teaching signal for a fuzzy logic classifier system that develops a knowledge base. The teaching signal can be approximated online by a fuzzy controller that operates using knowledge from the knowledge base. The control system can be used to control complex plants described by nonlinear, unstable, dissipative models. In one embodiment, the step-constrained control system is configured to control stepping motors.

Abstract: A control system for optimizing the performance of a vehicle suspension system by controlling the damping factor of one or more shock absorbers is described. In one embodiment, the control system uses a fuzzy neural network. A teaching signal for the fuzzy neural network is generated using road signal data and a mathematical model of the vehicle suspension system. The teaching signal is used to develop a knowledge base for the fuzzy neural network. In one embodiment, inputs to the fuzzy neural network include damper velocities, heave acceleration, pitch acceleration, and roll acceleration. In one embodiment, the heave acceleration signal from the teaching signal is filtered to develop inputs for the fuzzy neural network, thereby reducing the number of sensors. In one embodiment, a Fourier transform analysis of the heave acceleration signal is provided to the fuzzy neural network.

Abstract: A control system for optimizing a shock absorber having a non-linear kinetic characteristic is described. The control system uses a fitness (performance) function that is based on the physical laws of minimum entropy and biologically inspired constraints relating to mechanical constraints and/or rider comfort, driveability, etc. In one embodiment, a genetic analyzer is used in an off-line mode to develop a teaching signal. An information filter is used to filter the teaching signal to produce a compressed teaching signal. The compressed teaching signal can be approximated online by a fuzzy controller that operates using knowledge from a knowledge base. In one embodiment, the control system includes a learning system, such as a neural network that is trained by the compressed training signal. The learning system is used to create a knowledge base for use by an online fuzzy controller. The online fuzzy controller is used to program a linear controller.

Abstract: A system and method for efficient stochastic simulation of dynamic systems is described. Since analytic solutions cannot usually be found for stochastic differential equations, complete analysis requires numerical simulations. These simulations are most commonly done with first-order Euler-type algorithm. The efficiency of these algorithms is improved by removing algebraic loops in the simulation. An algebraic loop occurs when an output variable of the system of equations is also in an input variable to one or more of the equations describing the system. In one embodiment, the algebraic loops are removed by formulating a simulation wherein an output variable that gives rise to an algebraic loop is integrated to produce an integrated output. The integrated output is later provided to a differentiator to reconstruct the output variable as needed.

Abstract: A control system using a genetic analyzer based on discrete constraints is described. In one embodiment, a genetic algorithm with step-coded chromosomes is used to develop a teaching signal that provides good control qualities for a controller with discrete constraints, such as, for example, a step-constrained controller. In one embodiment, the control system uses a fitness (performance) function that is based on the physical laws of minimum entropy. In one embodiment, the genetic analyzer is used in an off-line mode to develop a teaching signal for a fuzzy logic classifier system that develops a knowledge base. The teaching signal can be approximated online by a fuzzy controller that operates using knowledge from the knowledge base. The control system can be used to control complex plants described by nonlinear, unstable, dissipative models. In one embodiment, the step-constrained control system is configured to control stepping motors.

Abstract: A control system for optimizing a shock absorber having a non-linear kinetic characteristic is described. The control system uses a fitness (performance) function that is based on the physical laws of minimum entropy and biologically inspired constraints relating to mechanical constraints and/or rider comfort, driveability, etc. In one embodiment, a genetic analyzer is used in an off-line mode to develop a teaching signal. The teaching signal can be approximated online by a fuzzy controller that operates using knowledge from a knowledge base. A learning system is used to create the knowledge base for use by the online fuzzy controller. In one embodiment, the learning system uses a quantum search algorithm to search a number of solution spaces to obtain information for the knowledge base. The online fuzzy controller is used to program a linear controller.

Abstract: A control system for optimizing a shock absorber having a non-linear kinetic characteristic is described. The control system uses a fitness (performance) function that is based on the physical laws of minimum entropy and biologically inspired constraints relating to mechanical constraints and/or rider comfort, driveability, etc. In one embodiment, a genetic analyzer is used in an off-line mode to develop a teaching signal. An information filter is used to filter the teaching signal to produce a compressed teaching signal. The compressed teaching signal can be approximated online by a fuzzy controller that operates using knowledge from a knowledge base. In one embodiment, the control system includes a learning system, such as a neural network that is trained by the compressed training signal. The learning system is used to create a knowledge base for use by an online fuzzy controller. The online fuzzy controller is used to program a linear controller.

Abstract: Thermal destruction of waste includes forming a bath of a melted slag, heating the waste and introducing the waste onto a surface of the bath, passing produced off-gasses through the melted slag, discharging the off-gasses, releasing produced metal and slag from the bath, forming in the closed volume a plasma hose over the surface of the bath by a coaxial electric arc plasma torch by two tubular electrodes located one inside the other, and introducing the waste through an interior of the inner electrode and then through the plasma hose.