Simulation-based input loading condition optimisation of airport baggage handling systems

Scheduling check-in station operations are a challenging problem within airport systems. Prior to determining check-in resource schedules, an important step is to estimate the Baggage Handling System (BHS) operating capacity under non-stationary conditions. This ensures that check-in stations are not overloaded with bags, which would adversely affect the system and cause cascade stops and blockages. Cascading blockages can potentially lead to a poor level of service and in worst scenario a customer may depart without their bags. This paper presents an empirical study of a multiobjective problem within a BHS system. The goal is to estimate near optimal input operating conditions, such that no blockages occurs at check-in stations, while minimising the baggage travel time and maximising the throughput performance measures. We provide a practical hybrid simulation and binary search technique to determine a near optimal input throughput operating condition. The algorithm generates capacity constraint information that may be used by a scheduler to plan check-in operations based on flight arrival schedules.<br /

Robust Focusing using Orientation Code Matching

This paper proposes a novel scheme for image focusing by introducing a new focus measure based on self-matching methods. A unique pencil-shaped profile is identified by comparing the similarity between all patterns extracted around the same position in each scene. Based on this profile, a new criterion function called Complementary Pencil Volume (hereafter CPV) is defined to evaluate focused or defocused scenes based on similarity rate of self-matching, which visually represents the volume of a pencil-shaped profile. Among matching methods, Orientation Code Matching (hereafter OCM) is recommended due to its invariance with regards to illumination and contrasts. Several experiments using a telecentric lens are implemented to demonstrate the efficiency of proposed measures. Outstandingly, comparing Orientation Code Matching-based (hereafter OCM-based) focus measure with conventional focus measures shows that OCM-based focus measure is robust against changes of illuminations and contrast. Using this method, depth is measured by comparing the focused and defocused region in the scenes both under high and low illumination conditions

An Interpretive Analysis of Bela Bartok\u27s Performance of His Own Music

Bartok\u27s recordings made between 1912 and 1945 are considered valuable sources to Bartok interpreters. These recordings provide us with a wealth of information about the composer\u27s intentions and helpful interpretive ideas. This study shows that Bartok performs with great freedom that expresses what goes beyond the scores. The pieces selected in this study include Bagatelle Op. 6 No. 2, Evening in Transylvania from Ten Easy Piano Pieces, the first movement of Suite Op. 14, and Allegro Barbaro. By analyzing Bartok\u27s recordings on these four pieces, this thesis explores that Bartok\u27s interpretive decisions are related to stylistic and structural characteristics. His different use of tempo, dynamics, touch etc., results in varied perception of the form by the listener (Bagatelle); his free rubato playing articulates human language (Evening in Transylvania); his improvisatory performance brings out the essential character of folk dance (Suite, first movement); and his thoughtful articulation prevents a primitive piece from being too boisterous (Allegro Barbaro). This study also discusses Gyorgy Sandor\u27s recordings for comparison. Mr. Sandor was one of Bartok\u27s most successful pupils and won a Grand Prix du Disque for his recording of the entire piano music of Bartok. It is proved that Sandor\u27s playing of the same pieces is much more Classical and conservative than Bartok\u27s, because of Sandor\u27s more controlled touch and less various tempo, rhythmic variations. The author prepared the performance editions in the Appendix which illustrate precisely what has been played on the recordings. These examples provide the direct and reliable information, showing Bartok\u27s intentions on playing his own music

Optimization of Speed and Network Deployment for Reliable V2I Communication in the Presence of Handoffs and Interference

Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication is becoming indispensable for successful roll-out of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs). While increasing the CAVs' speed improves the average CAV traffic flow, it increases communication handoffs (HOs) thus reducing wireless data rates. Furthermore, unplanned density of active base-stations (BSs) may result in severe interference which negatively impacts CAV data rate. In this letter, we first characterize macroscopic traffic flow by considering log-normal distribution of the spacing between CAVs. We then derive novel closed-form expressions for the exact HO-aware rate outage probability and ergodic capacity in a large-scale network with interference. Then, we formulate a traffic flow maximization problem to optimize the speed of CAVs and deployment density of BSs with HO-aware rate constraints and collision avoidance constraints. Our numerical results validate the closed-form analytical expressions, extract useful insights about the optimal speed and BS density, and highlight the key trade-offs between the HO-aware data rates and CAV traffic flow

Searching on a Tape

Coordinated Science Laboratory was formerly known as Control Systems LaboratoryNational Science Foundation / ECS-84-10902 and CCR-87-14565Amoco Foundatio

Comparison of Guidance Modes for the AUV “Slocum Glider ” in Time-Varying Ocean Flows

Abstract — This paper presents possibilities for the reliable guidance of an AUV “Slocum Glider ” in a time-varying oceans flows. The presented guidance modes consider the restricted information during a real mission about the actual position and ocean current conditions as well as the available control modes of a glider. A faster-than-real-time, full software stack simulator for the Slocum glider will be described in order to test the developed guidance modes under real mission conditions. Keywords—component; AUV “Slocum Glider”; Path Planning; Glider Simulator; Time-Varying Ocean Flows; Dead Reckonin