Data processing: artificial intelligence – Machine learning – Genetic algorithm and genetic programming system
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-16
2001-11-27
Powell, Mark R. (Department: 2122)
Data processing: artificial intelligence
Machine learning
Genetic algorithm and genetic programming system
Reexamination Certificate
active
06324530
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an evolutionary controlling system, and particularly to that for controlling characteristics of a subject in an evolutionary manner.
Heretofore, when a control system or control characteristics of a subject, 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 subject are determined in such a way as to adapt the subject 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 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 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 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 evolutionary control system to construct characteristics which can satisfy plural users.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One important aspect of the present invention attaining the above objective is a method for evolutionally controlling a subject based on a user's preference by using a control system having control characteristics, comprising the steps of: selecting coefficients, as genes, affecting the control characteristics of the control system; creating plural control units as chromosomes, each being constituted by plural genes; expressing the genes of each chromosome as control characteristics by controlling the subject using the control system having the control characteristics; selecting at least one chromosome from the created chromosomes based on the control characteristics expressed by the genes in view of the user's preference; and causing said at least one chromosome to evolve by repeating the creating step, the expressing step, and the selecting step, while causing cross-over and mutation of the genes, until the control system obtains control characteristics suitable for the user.
In the above, since plural chromosomes are created using coefficients affecting the control characteristics of the control system controlling the characteristics of a product to be controlled, and the chromosomes are subjected to selection based on the user's instructions resulting from behavioral simulation conducted on each chromosome, thereby causing the chromosomes to undergo evolution using a genetic algorithm, any given characteristics of the product can be set through behavioral simulation, i.e., characteristics satisfying each user can individually be achieved. In addition, since a genetic algorithm is used as means for effecting evolution, evolution of the subject can efficiently be achieved. Further, since evaluation of results from the genetic algorithm is conducted by behavioral simulation, actual operation of the subject is eliminated during evolution, thereby easing and facilitating evolution of the subject.
In the above, since the user can perform selection of the chromosomes, the characteristics of a product to be controlled can be changed in accordance with the user's preference after shipment, i.e., a customized or user-friendly product most suitable to each user can be supplied. Further, since the characteristics of the product can be changed in accordance with the user's intention, the user can give less weight to the initial characteristics of the product itself, and can select a product from a wide range at purchase. Further, the user can “train” a product to ease control of the subject particularly for the user, and enjoy training and adapting the product to the user's preference.
When the evolution-simulation is conducted using an external device, no limitation is imposed on the location of the product, and evolution processing can be conducted anywhere the user likes.
When a personal computer commonly owned in a household is used as the external device, the use of a costly specially-designed simulation device is eliminated.
When the user refers to data for evolution processing, the user's role in selection can be reduced.
In the foregoing, the user can retrieve any preferable characteristics stored in a memory at any time, thereby quickly changing the behavioral characteristics of the subject depending on the feeling of the user or the environment.
When the subject to be controlled is an engine for a vehicle, the characteristics of the engine can be changed to suit the user's preferences, thereby obtaining characteristics of the engine most suitable to each individual user.
When the subject 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 subject 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 subject to be controlled is a personal robot, the behavioral characteristics of the robot can be changed to suit the user's preferences, thereby obtaining behavioral characteristics of the robot most suitable to each individual user.
When external devices for evaluation of evolution processing are linked among users via a communication network, it is possible to increase the processing speed of evaluating fitness of individuals by conducting parallel processing of each individual. Further, since the number of individuals increases, diversity of individuals can be improved, leading to better evolution. In addition, evaluation results can jointly be owned among users, and can easily be used.
In the above, when plural chromosomes are created using coefficients affecting the control characteristics of the control system controlling the characteristics of a product to be controlled, and the chromosomes are subjected to selection based on the user's instructions resulting either from behavioral simulation conducted on each chromosome or from actual operation, thereby causing the chromosomes to undergo evolution using a genetic algorithm, the user can choose evolution processes either based on simulation results from behavioral simulation or based on behavioral results from actual operation of the subject, thereby allowing for evolution control in accordance with the user's preference.
In addition, when the control system comprises neural networks leaning relationships among the control characteristics using coupling coefficients, and the coefficients used as the genes are the coupling coefficients, the creating step can readily be performed.
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.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5701400 (1997-12-01), A
Kamihira Ichikai
Yamaguchi Masashi
Holmes Michael B.
Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP
Powell Mark R.
Yamaha Katsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
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