A Continuous Model for Designing Corridor Systems with Modular Autonomous Vehicles Enabling Station-wise Docking

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiwei Chen ◽  
Xiaopeng Li ◽  
Xiaobo Qu
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Original Problem ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Continuum Approximation ◽  
Optimal Solutions ◽  
Property A ◽  
Passenger Demand ◽  
Operational Design ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Ca Model

The “asymmetry” between spatiotemporally varying passenger demand and fixed-capacity transportation supply has been a long-standing problem in urban mass transportation (UMT) systems around the world. The emerging modular autonomous vehicle (MAV) technology offers us an opportunity to close the substantial gap between passenger demand and vehicle capacity through station-wise docking and undocking operations. However, there still lacks an appropriate approach that can solve the operational design problem for UMT corridor systems with MAVs efficiently. To bridge this methodological gap, this paper proposes a continuum approximation (CA) model that can offer near-optimal solutions to the operational design for MAV-based transit corridors very efficiently. We investigate the theoretical properties of the optimal solutions to the investigated problem in a certain (yet not uncommon) case. These theoretical properties allow us to estimate the seat demand of each time neighborhood with the arrival demand curves, which recover the “local impact” property of the investigated problem. With the property, a CA model is properly formulated to decompose the original problem into a finite number of subproblems that can be analytically solved. A discretization heuristic is then proposed to convert the analytical solution from the CA model to feasible solutions to the original problem. With two sets of numerical experiments, we show that the proposed CA model can achieve near-optimal solutions (with gaps less than 4% for most cases) to the investigated problem in almost no time (less than 10 ms) for large-scale instances with a wide range of parameter settings (a commercial solver may even not obtain a feasible solution in several hours). The theoretical properties are verified, and managerial insights regarding how input parameters affect system performance are provided through these numerical results. Additionally, results also reveal that, although the CA model does not incorporate vehicle repositioning decisions, the timetabling decisions obtained by solving the CA model can be easily applied to obtain near-optimal repositioning decisions (with gaps less than 5% in most instances) very efficiently (within 10 ms). Thus, the proposed CA model provides a foundation for developing solution approaches for other problems (e.g., MAV repositioning) with more complex system operation constraints whose exact optimal solution can hardly be found with discrete modeling methods.

scholarly journals Temporal concatenation for Markov decision processes

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
Ruiyang Song ◽  
Kuang Xu
Keyword(s):  
Markov Decision Processes ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Upper Bounds ◽  
Black Box ◽  
Decision Processes ◽  
Optimal Solutions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Markov Decision ◽  
Speed Up

We propose and analyze a temporal concatenation heuristic for solving large-scale finite-horizon Markov decision processes (MDP), which divides the MDP into smaller sub-problems along the time horizon and generates an overall solution by simply concatenating the optimal solutions from these sub-problems. As a “black box” architecture, temporal concatenation works with a wide range of existing MDP algorithms. Our main results characterize the regret of temporal concatenation compared to the optimal solution. We provide upper bounds for general MDP instances, as well as a family of MDP instances in which the upper bounds are shown to be tight. Together, our results demonstrate temporal concatenation's potential of substantial speed-up at the expense of some performance degradation.

An Exact Algorithm for Large-Scale Continuous Nonlinear Resource Allocation Problems with Minimax Regret Objectives

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jungho Park ◽  
Hadi El-Amine ◽  
Nevin Mutlu
Keyword(s):  
Resource Allocation ◽  
Objective Function ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Exact Algorithm ◽  
Minimax Regret ◽  
Optimal Solutions ◽  
Heuristic Approaches ◽  
Exact Approach

We study a large-scale resource allocation problem with a convex, separable, not necessarily differentiable objective function that includes uncertain parameters falling under an interval uncertainty set, considering a set of deterministic constraints. We devise an exact algorithm to solve the minimax regret formulation of this problem, which is NP-hard, and we show that the proposed Benders-type decomposition algorithm converges to an [Formula: see text]-optimal solution in finite time. We evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm via an extensive computational study, and our results show that the proposed algorithm provides efficient solutions to large-scale problems, especially when the objective function is differentiable. Although the computation time takes longer for problems with nondifferentiable objective functions as expected, we show that good quality, near-optimal solutions can be achieved in shorter runtimes by using our exact approach. We also develop two heuristic approaches, which are partially based on our exact algorithm, and show that the merit of the proposed exact approach lies in both providing an [Formula: see text]-optimal solution and providing good quality near-optimal solutions by laying the foundation for efficient heuristic approaches.

Genetic Algorithm and Other Meta-Heuristics

2005 ◽  
pp. 144-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard K.S. Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Schema Theory ◽  
Heuristic Methods ◽  
Optimal Solutions ◽  
Corporate Globalization ◽  
Global Optimal ◽  
Mutation And Selection

Genetic algorithms have been applied in solving various types of large-scale, NP-hard optimization problems. Many researchers have been investigating its global convergence properties using Schema Theory, Markov Chain, etc. A more realistic approach, however, is to estimate the probability of success in finding the global optimal solution within a prescribed number of generations under some function landscapes. Further investigation reveals that its inherent weaknesses that affect its performance can be remedied, while its efficiency can be significantly enhanced through the design of an adaptive scheme that integrates the crossover, mutation and selection operations. The advance of Information Technology and the extensive corporate globalization create great challenges for the solution of modern supply chain models that become more and more complex and size formidable. Meta-heuristic methods have to be employed to obtain near optimal solutions. Recently, a genetic algorithm has been reported to solve these problems satisfactorily and there are reasons for this.

scholarly journals Multiresolution Analysis Applied to the Monge-Kantorovich Problem

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Armando Sánchez-Nungaray ◽  
Carlos González-Flores ◽  
Raquiel R. López-Martínez
Keyword(s):  
Multiresolution Analysis ◽  
Transportation Problem ◽  
Original Problem ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Weak Sense ◽  
Optimal Solutions ◽  
Kantorovich Problem

We give a scheme of approximation of the MK problem based on the symmetries of the underlying spaces. We take a Haar type MRA constructed according to the geometry of our spaces. Thus, applying the Haar type MRA based on symmetries to the MK problem, we obtain a sequence of transportation problem that approximates the original MK problem for each of MRA. Moreover, the optimal solutions of each level solution converge in the weak sense to the optimal solution of original problem.

Electron microscopy study of reactively sputter-deposited Ti/N films on silicon

1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 1362-1363
Author(s):  
V. C. Kannan ◽  
A. K. Singh ◽  
R. B. Irwin ◽  
S. Chittipeddi ◽  
F. D. Nkansah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Integrated Circuits ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Hexagonal Phase ◽  
Microscopy Study ◽  
Electron Microscopy Study ◽  
Process Conditions ◽  
Tin Films ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Fcc Phase ◽  
Circuits Vlsi

Titanium nitride (TiN) films have historically been used as diffusion barrier between silicon and aluminum, as an adhesion layer for tungsten deposition and as an interconnect material etc. Recently, the role of TiN films as contact barriers in very large scale silicon integrated circuits (VLSI) has been extensively studied. TiN films have resistivities on the order of 20μ Ω-cm which is much lower than that of titanium (nearly 66μ Ω-cm). Deposited TiN films show resistivities which vary from 20 to 100μ Ω-cm depending upon the type of deposition and process conditions. TiNx is known to have a NaCl type crystal structure for a wide range of compositions. Change in color from metallic luster to gold reflects the stabilization of the TiNx (FCC) phase over the close packed Ti(N) hexagonal phase. It was found that TiN (1:1) ideal composition with the FCC (NaCl-type) structure gives the best electrical property.

THE SOME QUESTIONS OF AUTONOMOUS MOTION AND MANAGEMENT OF LAND-MOBILE ROBOTIC COMPLEXES FOR UKRAINIAN GROUND FORCESE

2019 ◽  
pp. 53-58
Author(s):  
О. Кravchuk ◽  
V. Symonenkov ◽  
I. Symonenkova ◽  
O. Hryhorev
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Distributed Information ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Highly Effective ◽  
Information Management Systems ◽  
Robotic Devices ◽  
Principles And Standards ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Eu

Today, more than forty countries of the world are engaged in the development of military-purpose robots. A number of unique mobile robots with a wide range of capabilities are already being used by combat and intelligence units of the Armed forces of the developed world countries to conduct battlefield intelligence and support tactical groups. At present, the issue of using the latest information technology in the field of military robotics is thoroughly investigated, and the creation of highly effective information management systems in the land-mobile robotic complexes has acquired a new phase associated with the use of distributed information and sensory systems and consists in the transition from application of separate sensors and devices to the construction of modular information subsystems, which provide the availability of various data sources and complex methods of information processing. The purpose of the article is to investigate the ways to increase the autonomy of the land-mobile robotic complexes using in a non-deterministic conditions of modern combat. Relevance of researches is connected with the necessity of creation of highly effective information and control systems in the perspective robotic means for the needs of Land Forces of Ukraine. The development of the Armed Forces of Ukraine management system based on the criteria adopted by the EU and NATO member states is one of the main directions of increasing the effectiveness of the use of forces (forces), which involves achieving the principles and standards necessary for Ukraine to become a member of the EU and NATO. The inherent features of achieving these criteria will be the transition to a reduction of tasks of the combined-arms units and the large-scale use of high-precision weapons and land remote-controlled robotic devices. According to the views of the leading specialists in the field of robotics, the automation of information subsystems and components of the land-mobile robotic complexes can increase safety, reliability, error-tolerance and the effectiveness of the use of robotic means by standardizing the necessary actions with minimal human intervention, that is, a significant increase in the autonomy of the land-mobile robotic complexes for the needs of Land Forces of Ukraine.

Stirring and aeration system for the upgrading of small waste water treatment plants

1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (12) ◽  
pp. 149-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus Höfken ◽  
Katharina Zähringer ◽  
Franz Bischof
Keyword(s):  
Waste Water ◽  
Water Treatment ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Waste Water Treatment ◽  
Water Treatment Plants ◽  
Waste Water Treatment Plants ◽  
Basic Fluid ◽  
Aeration System ◽  
Technical Realization ◽  
Wide Range

A novel agitating system has been developed which allows for individual or combined operation of stirring and aeration processes. Basic fluid mechanical considerations led to the innovative hyperboloid design of the stirrer body, which ensures high efficiencies in the stirring and the aeration mode, gentle circulation with low shear forces, excellent controllability, and a wide range of applications. This paper presents the basic considerations which led to the operating principle, the technical realization of the system and experimental results in a large-scale plant. The characteristics of the system and the differences to other stirring and aeration systems are illustrated. Details of the technical realization are shown, which conform to the specific demands of applications in the biological treatment of waste water. Special regard is given to applications in the upgrading of small compact waste water treatment plants.

Thin structure of heterogeneous and multiphase fluid flows

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 175-180
Author(s):  
Yu.D. Chashechkin
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Fundamental System ◽  
Fluid Flows ◽  
Regular Solutions ◽  
Flow Models ◽  
Group Methods ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Thin Structure ◽  
Multiphase Fluid ◽  
Complete Solutions

According to the results of visualization of streams, the existence of structures in a wide range of scales is noted: from galactic to micron. The use of a fundamental system of equations is substantiated based on the results of comparing symmetries of various flow models with the usage of theoretical group methods. Complete solutions of the system are found by the methods of the singular perturbations theory with a condition of compatibility, which determines the characteristic equation. A comparison of complete solutions with experimental data shows that regular solutions characterize large-scale components of the flow, a rich family of singular solutions describes formation of the thin media structure. Examples of calculations and observations of stratified, rotating and multiphase media are given. The requirements for the technique of an adequate experiment are discussed.

Integrative Data Analysis from a Unifying Research Synthesis Perspective

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun-Young Mun ◽  
Anne E. Ray
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Research Synthesis ◽  
Alcohol Intervention ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Integrative Data Analysis ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Model Complex ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Individual Participant

Integrative data analysis (IDA) is a promising new approach in psychological research and has been well received in the field of alcohol research. This chapter provides a larger unifying research synthesis framework for IDA. Major advantages of IDA of individual participant-level data include better and more flexible ways to examine subgroups, model complex relationships, deal with methodological and clinical heterogeneity, and examine infrequently occurring behaviors. However, between-study heterogeneity in measures, designs, and samples and systematic study-level missing data are significant barriers to IDA and, more broadly, to large-scale research synthesis. Based on the authors’ experience working on the Project INTEGRATE data set, which combined individual participant-level data from 24 independent college brief alcohol intervention studies, it is also recognized that IDA investigations require a wide range of expertise and considerable resources and that some minimum standards for reporting IDA studies may be needed to improve transparency and quality of evidence.

Quantum Optomechanics and Nanomechanics

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Gravitational Wave ◽  
Summer School ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Quantum Noise ◽  
Foundations Of Quantum Mechanics ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Measurement Laser ◽  
Quantum Limits ◽  
Quantum Optomechanics ◽  
Quantum Ground State

The Les Houches Summer School 2015 covered the emerging fields of cavity optomechanics and quantum nanomechanics. Optomechanics is flourishing and its concepts and techniques are now applied to a wide range of topics. Modern quantum optomechanics was born in the late 70s in the framework of gravitational wave interferometry, initially focusing on the quantum limits of displacement measurements. Carlton Caves, Vladimir Braginsky, and others realized that the sensitivity of the anticipated large-scale gravitational-wave interferometers (GWI) was fundamentally limited by the quantum fluctuations of the measurement laser beam. After tremendous experimental progress, the sensitivity of the upcoming next generation of GWI will effectively be limited by quantum noise. In this way, quantum-optomechanical effects will directly affect the operation of what is arguably the world’s most impressive precision experiment. However, optomechanics has also gained a life of its own with a focus on the quantum aspects of moving mirrors. Laser light can be used to cool mechanical resonators well below the temperature of their environment. After proof-of-principle demonstrations of this cooling in 2006, a number of systems were used as the field gradually merged with its condensed matter cousin (nanomechanical systems) to try to reach the mechanical quantum ground state, eventually demonstrated in 2010 by pure cryogenic techniques and a year later by a combination of cryogenic and radiation-pressure cooling. The book covers all aspects—historical, theoretical, experimental—of the field, with its applications to quantum measurement, foundations of quantum mechanics and quantum information. Essential reading for any researcher in the field.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document