System Identification for Nonlinear Control Using Neural Networks

An approach to incorporating artificial neural networks in nonlinear, adaptive control systems is described. The controller contains three principal elements: a nonlinear inverse dynamic control law whose coefficients depend on a comprehensive model of the plant, a neural network that models system dynamics, and a state estimator whose outputs drive the control law and train the neural network. Attention is focused on the system identification task, which combines an extended Kalman filter with generalized spline function approximation. Continual learning is possible during normal operation, without taking the system off line for specialized training. Nonlinear inverse dynamic control requires smooth derivatives as well as function estimates, imposing stringent goals on the approximating technique

Episodic learning

A system is described which learns to compose sequences of operators into episodes for problem solving. The system incrementally learns when and why operators are applied. Episodes are segmented so that they are generalizable and reusable. The idea of augmenting the instance language with higher level concepts is introduced. The technique of perturbation is described for discovering the essential features for a rule with minimal teacher guidance. The approach is applied to the domain of solving simultaneous linear equations

Plan variants and a plan refinement algorithm

The relational production model of problem solving, due to Vere, is used to analyze plan inefficiency. The concept of plan variant is introduced and precisely related to the triangle tables of Nilsson. The concept is used to extend certain classes of inefficiencies. A method is described which "tightens up" plans containing these inefficiencies, often producing optimal ones

Con Edison: The Crisis of the Investor-Owned Utility

Consolidated Edison of New York, Inc. (Con Edison) is an investor-owned urban utility which provides electricity to New York City and most of Westchester County. It is representative of the older investor-owned utilities which are currently in the poorest financial condition. Although these utilities do not serve rapidly expanding service areas, the replacement of obsolete generating plants necessitates continued large capital expenditures. Present conditions raise the possibility that older investor-owned utilities cannot survive in their present form of regulated private monopoly. The failure of Con Edison to pay a quarterly dividend on April 23, 1974 focused attention on the deteriorating financial condition of the utility industry. Investor confidence in all utility securities plummeted and an unprecedented plunge in the value of such securities followed. The key to Con Edison\u27s financial dilemma is that revenues have not increased sufficiently to compensate for higher operating and capital costs. While some of Con Edison\u27s problems are unique, its financial crisis stems from forces buffeting the entire utility industry. This Comment will examine its problems and make suggestions for ameliorating them

Con Edison: The Crisis of the Investor-Owned Utility

Consolidated Edison of New York, Inc. (Con Edison) is an investor-owned urban utility which provides electricity to New York City and most of Westchester County. It is representative of the older investor-owned utilities which are currently in the poorest financial condition. Although these utilities do not serve rapidly expanding service areas, the replacement of obsolete generating plants necessitates continued large capital expenditures. Present conditions raise the possibility that older investor-owned utilities cannot survive in their present form of regulated private monopoly. The failure of Con Edison to pay a quarterly dividend on April 23, 1974 focused attention on the deteriorating financial condition of the utility industry. Investor confidence in all utility securities plummeted and an unprecedented plunge in the value of such securities followed. The key to Con Edison\u27s financial dilemma is that revenues have not increased sufficiently to compensate for higher operating and capital costs. While some of Con Edison\u27s problems are unique, its financial crisis stems from forces buffeting the entire utility industry. This Comment will examine its problems and make suggestions for ameliorating them

A Continuity Theorem for Stinespring's Dilation

We show a continuity theorem for Stinespring's dilation: two completely positive maps between arbitrary C*-algebras are close in cb-norm iff we can find corresponding dilations that are close in operator norm. The proof establishes the equivalence of the cb-norm distance and the Bures distance for completely positive maps. We briefly discuss applications to quantum information theory.Comment: 18 pages, no figure