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At least 1,315 records · Page 73

Coverability graphs for a class of synchronously executed unbounded Petri net

After detailing a variant of the concurrent-execution rule for firing of maximal subsets, in which the simultaneous firing of conflicting transitions is prohibited, an algorithm is constructed for generating the coverability graph of a net executed under this synchronous firing rule. The omega insertion criteria in the algorithm are shown to be valid for any net on which the algorithm terminates. It is accordingly shown that the set of nets on which the algorithm terminates includes the 'conflict-free' class.

Stotts, P. David↗

Associations between quasi-stellar objects and galaxies

A table is presented here listing all close pairs of QSOs and galaxies that were found in a computer-aided search of catalogs of QSOs and bright galaxies and an extensive search of the literature. There is a large excess of pairs with separations of 2 arcmin lor less, or about 60 kpc, over the numbers expected if the configurations were accidental. The angular separation for 392 pairs adds to the evidence for physical association, and it is shown that selection effects are not important. A general rule is stated that QSOs tend to lie in the vicinity of normal galaxies much more often than is expected by chance whether or not the galaxies and the QSOs have the same redshifts. It is emphasized that this rule cannot be explained in terms of gravitational microlensing, and it is concluded that some part of the redshift of all classes of active nuclei is not associated with the expansion of the universe.

Burbidge, G.↗

A new approach to the analysis of Mira light curves

Two different but complementary methods for predicting Mira luminosities are presented. One method is derived from a Fourier analysis, it requires performing deconvolution, and its results are not certain due to the inherent instability of deconvolution problems. The other method is a learning method utilizing artificial intelligence techniques where a light curve is presented as an ordered sequence of pseudocycles, and rules are learned by linking the characteristics of several consecutive pseudocycles to one characteristic of the future cycle. It is observed that agreement between these methods is obtainable when it is possible to eliminate similar false frequencies from the preliminary power spectrum and to improve the degree of confidence in the rules.

Mennessier, M. O.↗

A general weight matrix formulation using optimal control

Classical methods from optimal control theory are used in deriving general forms for neural network weights. The network learning or application task is encoded in a performance index of a general structure. Consequently, different instances of this performance index lead to special cases of weight rules, including some well-known forms. Comparisons are made with the outer product rule, spectral methods, and recurrent back-propagation. Simulation results and comparisons are presented.

Farotimi, Oluseyi↗

Diagnosing multiple faults in SSM/PMAD

Multiple fault diagnosis for SSM/PMAD (space station module/power management and distribution) using the knowledge management design system as applied to the SSM/PMAD domain (KNOMAD-SSM/PMAD) is discussed. KNOMAD-SSM/PMAD provides a powerful facility for knowledge representation and reasoning which has been used to build the second generation of FRAMES (fault recovery and management expert system). FRAMES now handles the diagnosis of multiple faults and provides support for a more powerful interface for user interaction during autonomous operation. There are two types of multiple fault diagnosis handled in FRAMES. The first diagnoses hard faults, soft faults, and incipient faults simultaneously. The second diagnoses multiple hard faults which occur in close proximity in time to one another. Multiple fault diagnosis in FRAMES is performed using a rule-based approach. This rule-based approach, enabled by the KNOMAD-SSM/PMAD system, has proven to be powerful. Levels of autonomy are discussed, focusing on the approach taken in FRAMES for providing at least three levels of autonomy: complete autonomy, partial autonomy, and complete manual mode.

Riedesel, Joel↗

Mapping sea ice leads with a coupled numeric/symbolic system

A method is presented which facilitates the detection and delineation of leads with single-channel Landsat data by coupling numeric and symbolic procedures. The procedure consists of three steps: (1) using the dynamic threshold method, an image is mapped to a lead/no lead binary image; (2) the likelihood of fragments to be real leads is examined with a set of numeric rules; and (3) pairs of objects are examined geometrically and merged where possible. The processing ends when all fragments are merged and statistical characteristics are determined, and a map of valid lead objects are left which summarizes useful physical in the lead complexes. Direct implementation of domain knowledge and rapid prototyping are two benefits of the rule-based system. The approach is found to be more successfully applied to mid- and high-level processing, and the system can retrieve statistics about sea-ice leads as well as detect the leads.

Key, J.↗

More About Architecture For Intelligent Robotic Control

Boolean neural networks proposed to implement part of intermediate level of hierarchical architecture of control system for artificially intelligent control of robot hand. Concept described in "Architecture for Intelligent Control of Robotic Tasks" (NPO-17871). Rule level of architecture implemented in two Boolean neural networks operated and updated in alternation. No explicit programming of network. Internal configuration not unique but, depends on initial state and history of previous adaptations. Accepts new rules sequentially presented by external controller.

Fiorini, Paolo↗

Total recall in distributive associative memories

Iterative error correction of asymptotically large associative memories is equivalent to a one-step learning rule. This rule is the inverse of the activation function of the memory. Spectral representations of nonlinear activation functions are used to obtain the inverse in closed form for Sparse Distributed Memory, Selected-Coordinate Design, and Radial Basis Functions.

Danforth, Douglas G.↗

Decision blocks: A tool for automating decision making in CLIPS

The human capability of making complex decision is one of the most fascinating facets of human intelligence, especially if vague, judgemental, default or uncertain knowledge is involved. Unfortunately, most existing rule based forward chaining languages are not very suitable to simulate this aspect of human intelligence, because of their lack of support for approximate reasoning techniques needed for this task, and due to the lack of specific constructs to facilitate the coding of frequently reoccurring decision block to provide better support for the design and implementation of rule based decision support systems. A language called BIRBAL, which is defined on the top of CLIPS, for the specification of decision blocks, is introduced. Empirical experiments involving the comparison of the length of CLIPS program with the corresponding BIRBAL program for three different applications are surveyed. The results of these experiments suggest that for decision making intensive applications, a CLIPS program tends to be about three times longer than the corresponding BIRBAL program.

Eick, Christoph F.↗

Design concepts for integrating the IMKA technology with CLIPS

The author shares his experiences in evaluating the technical alternatives for integrating the Initiative for Managing Knowledge Assets (IMKA) frame-based knowledge acquisition system with the C language Integrated Production System (CLIPS). Integrating the IMKA technology with CLIPS allows application knowledge to be encoded naturally, using both frames and rules, and allows the knowledge stored in frames to be reasoned about using rules. An overview is given in viewgraph form of the features of the IMKA technology. The challenges of integrating the IMKA technology with CLIPS, three integration models, and the circumstances under which each is appropriate are discussed.

Scarola, David↗

A CLIPS-based tool for aircraft pilot-vehicle interface design

The Pilot-Vehicle Interface of modern aircraft is the cognitive, sensory, and psychomotor link between the pilot, the avionics modules, and all other systems on board the aircraft. To assist pilot-vehicle interface designers, a C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) based tool was developed that allows design information to be stored in a table that can be modified by rules representing design knowledge. Developed for the Apple Macintosh, the tool allows users without any CLIPS programming experience to form simple rules using a point and click interface.

Fowler, Thomas D.↗

Life prediction technologies for aeronautical propulsion systems

Fatigue and fracture problems continue to occur in aeronautical gas turbine engines. Components whose useful life is limited by these failure modes include turbine hot-section blades, vanes, and disks. Safety considerations dictate that catastrophic failures be avoided, while economic considerations dictate that catastrophic failures be avoided, while economic considerations dictate that noncatastrophic failures occur as infrequently as possible. Therefore, the decision in design is making the tradeoff between engine performance and durability. LeRC has contributed to the aeropropulsion industry in the area of life prediction technology for over 30 years, developing creep and fatigue life prediction methodologies for hot-section materials. At the present time, emphasis is being placed on the development of methods capable of handling both thermal and mechanical fatigue under severe environments. Recent accomplishments include the development of more accurate creep-fatigue life prediction methods such as the total strain version of LeRC's strain-range partitioning (SRP) and the HOST-developed cyclic damage accumulation (CDA) model. Other examples include the development of a more accurate cumulative fatigue damage rule - the double damage curve approach (DDCA), which provides greatly improved accuracy in comparison with usual cumulative fatigue design rules. Other accomplishments in the area of high-temperature fatigue crack growth may also be mentioned. Finally, we are looking to the future and are beginning to do research on the advanced methods which will be required for development of advanced materials and propulsion systems over the next 10-20 years.

Mcgaw, Michael A.↗

Ramp Technology and Intelligent Processing in Small Manufacturing

To address the issues of excessive inventories and increasing procurement lead times, the Navy is actively pursuing flexible computer integrated manufacturing (FCIM) technologies, integrated by communication networks to respond rapidly to its requirements for parts. The Rapid Acquisition of Manufactured Parts (RAMP) program, initiated in 1986, is an integral part of this effort. The RAMP program's goal is to reduce the current average production lead times experienced by the Navy's inventory control points by a factor of 90 percent. The manufacturing engineering component of the RAMP architecture utilizes an intelligent processing technology built around a knowledge-based shell provided by ICAD, Inc. Rules and data bases in the software simulate an expert manufacturing planner's knowledge of shop processes and equipment. This expert system can use Product Data Exchange using STEP (PDES) data to determine what features the required part has, what material is required to manufacture it, what machines and tools are needed, and how the part should be held (fixtured) for machining, among other factors. The program's rule base then indicates, for example, how to make each feature, in what order to make it, and to which machines on the shop floor the part should be routed for processing. This information becomes part of the shop work order. The process planning function under RAMP greatly reduces the time and effort required to complete a process plan. Since the PDES file that drives the intelligent processing is 100 percent complete and accurate to start with, the potential for costly errors is greatly diminished.

Rentz, Richard E.↗

Learning classification trees

Algorithms for learning classification trees have had successes in artificial intelligence and statistics over many years. How a tree learning algorithm can be derived from Bayesian decision theory is outlined. This introduces Bayesian techniques for splitting, smoothing, and tree averaging. The splitting rule turns out to be similar to Quinlan's information gain splitting rule, while smoothing and averaging replace pruning. Comparative experiments with reimplementations of a minimum encoding approach, Quinlan's C4 and Breiman et al. Cart show the full Bayesian algorithm is consistently as good, or more accurate than these other approaches though at a computational price.

Buntine, Wray↗

Postbuckling behavior of curved panels under combined compression and shear loads

A validated semiempirical design procedure and fatigue data were developed for curved, stiffened composite panels operating in the postbuckled regime under the action of combined compression and shear loading. A previously developed design methodology for composite panels under pure shear or pure compression loading was used as the starting point for the program. Initially, the well established interaction rules for metal panels were adopted to predict buckling under combined loading. Test data were then developed to verify these rules and suggest modifications where necessary. Postbuckling failure envelopes were developed by accounting for the failure modes possible under shear loading only, and under pure compression loading. Static failure predictions under combined loading were based on test verified interaction criteria. Fatigue tests were conducted under combined loading to determine strength degradation and the possible failure modes.

Deo, Ravi B.↗

Simulator for enhanced ATAMM multiprocessing

A simulator is introduced which follows the rules of the enhanced Algorithm to Architecture Mapping Model (ATAMM) multiprocessing strategy. ATAMM is a method for embedding an algorithm into a multiprocessing system in addition to providing system performance prediction capabilities. A discussion of the inner workings of the Architecture Design and Assessment System (ADAS) hosted simulator is introduced to illustrate how the simulator follows the ATAMM rule set. A sample 5-node algorithm graph is given as an example to illustrate: (1) entering of a graph into the simulator and how to run the graph using a graph entry tool; (2) how to analyze the data; and (3) a comparison of the simulation results with the predicted results from ATAMM.

Andrews, Asa M.↗

Reliability analysis of composite laminates with load sharing

By viewing a composite lamina as a homogeneous solid whose directional strengths are random variables, lamina reliability under multiaxial stresses may be determined using either an interactive or a noninteractive criterion. From the reliability values for the individual laminae comprising a given laminate, Thomas and Wetherhold (1991) have proposed a method for determining bounds for the overall laminate reliability. In this paper, simple physically plausible phenomenological rules are proposed for redistribution of load after a lamina has failed within the confines of a laminate. These rules are illustrated by application to (0/ +/-15)s and (90/ +/-45/0)s graphite/epoxy laminates, and the results are compared to the previously proposed bounds.

Wetherhold, Robert C.↗

Strategic behavior, workload, and performance in task scheduling

Scheduling theory is proposed as a normative model for strategic behavior when operators are confronted by several tasks, all of which should be completed within a fixed time span, and when they are free to choose the order in which the tasks should be done. Three experiments are described to investigate the effect of knowing the correct scheduling rule on the efficiency of performance, subjective workload, and choice of strategy under different conditions of time pressure. The most potent effects are from time pressure. The reasons for the weak effect of knowing the rules are discussed, and implications for strategic behavior, displays, and decision aids are indicated.

Moray, Neville↗