Data processing: artificial intelligence – Neural network – Learning method
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-15
2001-08-21
Yuen, Henry C. (Department: 3747)
Data processing: artificial intelligence
Neural network
Learning method
C701S058000, C701S101000, C701S102000, C706S031000, C706S013000, C706S045000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06278986
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an integrated controlling system, and particularly to that for comprehensively controlling a machine.
Heretofore, when a control system or control characteristics of a machine, such as vehicles and electrical appliances, is designed, imaginary users are selected, and the users' preferences and their using conditions are taken into consideration. The characteristics of the machine are determined in such a way as to adapt the machine to users in as broad a range as possible.
However, each individual user has a particular and unique personality, and thus, their preferences are diverse. Thus, there is a problem in that even if imaginary users are selected to develop and design a product for the users by presuming the users' preference, it is impossible to satisfy all of the users of the product.
In order to solve the above problem, prior to purchase of a product, a prospective user is requested to determine whether or not the product is satisfactory to the user after checking the characteristics of the product in light of the user's preferences. However, it is troublesome for the user to check the characteristics of the product before the purchase. Further, because a series of products are often operated or controlled by characteristics common in the products, although the design of the product is changed depending on the user's preferences, the user may not like other operational characteristics. Thus, although the design is appealing to some prospective users, the users may not purchase the product since the operational characteristics do not appeal to them. In the other words, there is another problem in that the range of users is limited and depends on the operational characteristics.
An objective of the present invention is to provide an integrated control system to construct characteristics which can satisfy all users.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One important aspect of the present invention attaining the above objective is an integrated control method comprising the steps of: determining the characteristics of a user and/or using conditions; and changing characteristics of a control system of a machine in accordance with the determined characteristics. In the above, the machine is operable by a causative signal, and preferably, the control system first outputs a base value of the causative signal to control the machine based on indicative signals indicating a result of the control of the machine, and the changing step comprises the steps of: creating multiple control modules for representing at least one factor to be controlled; selecting at least one control module most adaptable for a current operational state based on the determined characteristics of the user and/or using conditions; learning information from said at least one control module; compensating for the base value based on the result of the selection and the learning; and controlling the machine using the output compensated for.
According to the present invention, the machine is “trained” to suit the characteristics of the user and/or the using conditions, thereby easing control of the machine particularly for the user and enjoying training and adapting the machine to the user's preference.
In the above, preferably, said control system comprises: a reflection hierarchy for outputting the base value reflectively in response to input from the using conditions; an evolutionary-adaptation hierarchy for conducting the creating step, the selecting step, and the compensating step; and a learning hierarchy for conducting the learning step and the compensating step. In the above, preferably, said learning hierarchy comprises a control system for learning and a control system for operation, both control systems being interchangeable, wherein while the control system for learning is learning, the control system for operation is controlling the machine in cooperation with the reflection hierarchy.
In the above, preferably, the evolutionary-adaptation hierarchy is inactivated when the control system for learning completes learning. Further, after being inactivated, the evolutionary-adaptation hierarchy is activated at given intervals to check drift between an actual state and a state controlled by the reflection hierarchy and the control system for operation in the learning hierarchy, and when there is drift, the evolutionary-adaptation hierarchy resumes the creating step and the selecting step. Accordingly, by checking the control particulars at given intervals, it is possible to constantly maintain the most suitable operation against a change in the using environment or deterioration with age.
Further, in the above method, parameter-obtaining devices are not newly required. Existing devices can be used for obtaining necessary parameters, thereby lowering the cost.
When the machine to be controlled is an engine installed in a vehicle, the operation characteristics of the engine can be changed to suit the driver's preferences, and when control is conducted based on the driver's skill, suitable driving performance can be realized in accordance with the driver's skill and its improvement.
Since the user can train the machine (engine) based on the user's preference after its purchase, the user can give less weight to the characteristics of the engine itself, and can select a vehicle from a wide range at purchase.
When the machine to be controlled is an auxiliary power unit installed in a bicycle or a wheelchair, the characteristics of the auxiliary power unit (motor) can be changed to suit the user's preferences, thereby effecting assistance most customized to each individual user.
When the machine to be controlled is a robot, the characteristics of the robot can be changed to suit the user's preferences, thereby operating the robot in a way most suitable to each individual user.
When the machine to be controlled is a suspension system or seat, the characteristics of the damper of the suspension system or seat can be changed to suit the user's preferences, thereby obtaining characteristics of the damper most suitable to each individual user.
When the machine to be controlled is a steering system of a vehicle, the characteristics of steering control can be changed to suit the user's preferences, thereby obtaining customized steering control characteristics most suitable to each user.
The present invention can be applied not only to a method but also to a system. An appropriate system can be constructed accordingly. In addition, although the present invention can advantageously and preferably be applied to an engine, it can be applied to other machines as described above.
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Kamihira Ichikai
Yamaguchi Masashi
Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP
Vo Hieu T.
Yahama Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
Yuen Henry C.
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