Diagnostic Control System Research Articles

Target diagnostic control system implementation for the National Ignition Facility (invited)

The extreme physics of targets shocked by NIF's 192-beam laser is observed by a diverse suite of diagnostics. Many diagnostics are being developed by collaborators at other sites, but ad hoc controls could lead to unreliable and costly operations. A diagnostic control system (DCS) framework for both hardware and software facilitates development and eases integration. Each complex diagnostic typically uses an ensemble of electronic instruments attached to sensors, digitizers, cameras, and other devices. In the DCS architecture each instrument is interfaced to a low-cost WINDOWS XP processor and JAVA application. Each instrument is aggregated with others as needed in the supervisory system to form an integrated diagnostic. The JAVA framework provides data management, control services, and operator graphical user interface generation. DCS instruments are reusable by replication with reconfiguration for specific diagnostics in extensible markup language. Advantages include minimal application code, easy testing, and high reliability. Collaborators save costs by assembling diagnostics with existing DCS instruments. This talk discusses target diagnostic instrumentation used on NIF and presents the DCS architecture and framework.

The Effect of Contextual Variables in the Relationship between CSR and CFP: Evidence from Indonesian Companies

The objectives of this study is to investigate whether business environment, business strategy, formalization, decentralization, reliance on combination of belief & boundary system, reliance on combination of diagnostic & interactive control system, reliance on interactive control system moderate the relationship between CSR and CFP under the slack resource and good management theories. 220 respondents from manufacturing companies listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange were selected and two regression models were developed to examine the relationship between the related variables. The findings show that business environment has moderated the CSR-CFP link under good management theory, decentralization has moderated the CSR-CFP link under slack resource theory, and reliance on combination of diagnostic and interactive control system has moderated the CSR and CFP link based on slack resource theory.<br /><br /><br /><br />

An engine control systems design for low‐emission vehicles by generalized predictive control based on identified model

AbstractConservation of the environment has become critical to the automotive industry. Recently, requirements for on‐board diagnostic and engine control systems have been strictly enforced. In the present paper, in order to meet the requirements for low‐emission vehicles, a novel method for construction of the air‐fuel ratio (A/F) control system is proposed. The method of construction of the system is divided into two steps. The first step is to design the A/F control system for the engine based on an open loop design. The second step is to design the A/F control system for the catalyst system. The design method is based on generalized predictive control in order to assure robustness to open loop control as well as model uncertainty. The effectiveness of the proposed A/F control system is verified through experiments using full‐scale products. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 169(3): 47–55, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20907

The Role of Control System in Increasing Corporate social Performance: The Use of Levers of Control

One important instrument to be used in the control system design is strategic behaviors that can lead to the expected organization performance. Referring to the extended definition of strategic behavior using stakeholder-based strategic behavior, corporate social performance is kind of strategic behavior to be influenced by using control system. This paper discusses how control system, using Simons‟ levers of control can play important role in increasing the corporate social performance. The interaction between control system, including belief system, boundary system, diagnostic control system, and interactive control system, as well as the corporate financial performance (CFP) can affect the corporate social performance (CSP) due to fact that increase in CFP resulting from the appropriate use of control system components enables the company has more chance to do the CSP. The levers of control are deemed to form an integral part of employee socialization and support the development of an organization‟s culture, the system of shared beliefs, values, norms, and mores of organizational members which are deemed to be a primary determinant of the direction of employee behavior.

The Development of a Framework for Target Diagnostic Centralized Control System (TDCCS) in ICF Experiments

A framework for target diagnostic centralized control system (TDCCS) in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiment has been developed. The developed framework is based on the common object request broker architecture (CORBA) standard and part of the concept from the ICFRoot (a framework based on ROOT for ICF experiments) framework design. This framework is of a component architecture, including a message bus, command executer, status processor, parser and proxy. To test the function of the framework, a simplified prototype of the TDCCS has been developed as well.

Two-Step Design Method of Engine Control System Based on Generalized Predictive Control

Conservation of the environment has become critical to the automotive industry. Recently, requirements for on-board diagnostic and engine control systems have been strictly enforced. In the present paper, in order to meet the requirements for a low-emissions vehicle, a novel construction method of the air-fuel ratio (A/F) control system is proposed. The construction method of the system is divided into two steps. The first step is to design the A/F control system for the engine based on an open loop design. The second step is to design the A/F control system for the catalyst system. The design method is based on the generalized predictive control in order to satisfy the robustness to open loop control as well as model uncertainty. The effectiveness of the proposed A/F control system is verified through experiments using full-scale products.

TJ-II Operation Tracking from Cadarache

The TJ-II remote participation system was designed to follow the TJ-II discharge production, even allowing the physicist in charge of operations to be in a remote location. The system has been based on both Web servers and Java technology. These elements were chosen for their open character, security properties, platform independence, and technological maturity. Web pages and Java applications permit users to access experimental systems, data servers, and the operation logbook. Security resources are provided by the PAPI system, a distributed authentication and authorization system.The TJ-II remote participation tools have allowed us to command and follow the stellarator operation from Cadarache. More than 1000 digitizer channels and more than 20 diagnostic control systems were remotely accessed from Web pages for monitoring/programming purposes. One Java application provided online information about the acquisition status of channels and acquisition cards. A second Java application showed temporal evolution signals that were refreshed in an automated way on the screen after each shot. A third Java application provided access to the operation logbook. In addition to these tools, we used the VRVS (virtual room videoconferencing system) (FUSION community, X-Point room) and the EFDA (European Fusion Development Agreement) Messenger Service for instant messaging (Jabber client).

An introduction to the Enterprise Risk Scorecard

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of an Enterprise Risk Scorecard.Design/methodology/approachWith the accelerating growth in global risk levels leading to an intense current demand for risk management solutions, an analysis was conducted on whether a scorecard framework could be applied to risk measurement. This analysis included a survey of Kaplan and Norton's voluminous and seminal writings on the Balanced Scorecard, in which, surprisingly, relatively little on the measurement of risk was found.FindingsThe findings suggest that a scorecard framework could be an effective risk measurement, management and communication tool. For both design and organizational reasons it is recommended that risk scorecards be separate from performance scorecards.Research limitations/implicationsUtilizing two scorecards – one for performance and a separate one for risk – could provide strategy‐focused organizations with a more comprehensive diagnostic control system. The research implications of this approach could be significant, as it essentially opens up a new field of research.Originality/valueThis is assumed to be the first formal paper on risk and a scorecard framework. Previous work on integrating risk measurement frameworks is very different from the approach proposed here.

The KSTAR integrated control system based on EPICS

The Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) control system will be developed with several subsystems, which consist of the central control system (e.g. plasma control, machine control, diagnostic control, time synchronization, and interlock systems) and local control systems for various subsystems. We are planning to connect the entire system with several networks, viz . a reflective-memory-based real-time network, an optical timing network, a gigabit Ethernet network for generic machine control, and a storage network. Then it will evolve into a network-based, distributed real-time control system. Thus, we have to consider the standard communication protocols among the subsystems and how to handle the various kinds of hardware in a homogeneous way. To satisfy these requirements, EPICS has been chosen for the KSTAR control. The EPICS framework provides network-based real-time distributed control, operating system independent programming tools, operator interface tools, archiving tools, and interface tools with other commercial and non-commercial software. The most important advantage of the use of the EPICS framework is in providing homogeneity of the system for the control system developer. The developer does not have to be concerned about the specifics of the local system, but can concentrate on the implementation of the control logic with EPICS tools. We will present the details of the integration issues and also will give a brief summary of the entire KSTAR control system from an integration point of view.

Overview of the TJ-II remote participation system

The TJ-II remote participation system (RPS) is focused on providing remote access to elements that depend exclusively on characteristics of the TJ-II environment: data acquisition, diagnostics control systems and TJ-II operation tracking. Four key points were taken into account prior to starting the software design: access security, software execution platforms, software maintenance and distribution and delivery of operation events. The first, access security, was addressed by means of a distributed authentication and authorization system, PAPI. Regarding the other points, the development was based on the use of web servers (due to their standard character, flexibility and scalability) and Java technologies (due to their open nature, security properties and technological maturity). Software deployment was prepared to make use of the Java Network Launching Protocol (JNLP). On-line message distribution was planned according to a message oriented middleware. At present, the TJ-II RPS manages over 1000 digitization channels and 20 diagnostic control systems. The TJ-II RPS architecture is flexible, scalable and powerful enough to be applied to distributed environments and, in particular, it could be used in the ITER environment.

Levers of organization design: how managers use accountability systems for greater performance and commitment

The design of an organization--the accountability system that defines roles, rights, and responsibilities throughout the firm--has a direct impact on the performance of every employee. Yet, few leaders devote focused attention to how this design is chosen, implemented, and adjusted over time. Robert Simons argues that by viewing design as a powerful and proactive management lever--rather than an inevitable outcome of corporate evolution--leaders can maximize productivity across every level of the organization. Levers of Organization Design presents a new design theory based on four key yet often underrated categories: customer definition, critical performance variables, creative tension, and commitment to mission. Building from these core areas, Simons lays out a step-by-step process leaders can follow to create structures and accountability systems that positively influence how people do their work, where they focus their attention, and how their activities can be aligned to contribute to overall strategic goals. He also introduces four levers of organizational design--unit configuration, diagnostic control systems, interactive networks, and responsibility to others--that leaders can manipulate to improve overall organizational efficiency and effectiveness vastly. For anyone accountable for measuring and managing performance, this book shows how good design can become an organization's roadmap to success. Robert Simons is the Charles M. Williams Professor of Business Administration in the accounting & control area at Harvard Business School.

Present status of the TJ-II remote participation system

The TJ-II remote participation system (RPS) was designed to extend to Internet the working capabilities provided in the TJ-II local environment, i.e., tracking the TJ-II operation, monitoring/programming data acquisition and control systems, and accessing databases. The TJ-II RPS was based on web and Java technologies because of their open character, security properties and technological maturity. A web server acts as a communication front-end between remote participants and local TJ-II elements. From the server side, web services are provided by means of resources supplied by JSP pages. The client part makes use of web browsers and ad hoc Java applications. The operation requires the use of a distributed authentication and authorization system. This development employs the PAPI System. At present, approximately 1000 digitisation channels can be managed from the TJ-II RPS. Furthermore, processing software based on a 4GL language (LabView) can be downloaded to multiprocessor data acquisition systems. Also, 15 diagnostic control systems, databases and the operation logbook are available from the RPS. The system even allows for the physicist in charge of operation to be in a remote location. Four Spanish universities make use of the TJ-II remote participation system capabilities for joint collaborations: these are the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) and Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña (UPC).

Management control systems and strategy change in buyouts

The impact of management buy-outs (MBO) on strategy and management control systems (MCS) is little understood. Previous research by Jones (1992) focused on efficiency-enhancing buy-outs that were a feature of the early development of the market. However, MBOs are heterogeneous and more recent developments have involved ownership changes that stimulate entrepreneurial practices. The novel contribution of this paper is to use Simons' (1995) classification of beliefs systems, boundary systems, diagnostic and interactive control systems to extend Jones’ study to these newer forms of MBO. Within-case analysis and cross-case comparisons from four buyout firms are used to capture the interaction between management control systems and competitive strategy formulation, implementation and modification. This evidence supports arguments that buy-out managers undertake efforts in balancing the traditional feedback systems with the newer systems that stimulate opportunity seeking and learning. 5001-6182 Business 5546-5548.6 Office Organization and Management Library of Congress Classification (LCC) HD 28 Management M Business Administration and Business Economics M 10 L 2 Business Administration: general Firm Objectives, Organization and Behaviour Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) L 2 Firm Objectives, Organization and Behaviour 85 A Business General 100B 240 B Organization Theory (general) Information Systems Management European Business Schools Library Group (EBSLG) 270 L Management buy-outs Gemeenschappelijke Onderwerpsontsluiting (GOO) 85.00 Bedrijfskunde, Organisatiekunde: algemeen 85.05 85.08 Management organisatie: algemeen Organisatiesociologie, organisatiepsychologie Classification GOO 85.10 Strategisch management Bedrijfskunde / Bedrijfseconomie Organisatieleer, informatietechnologie, prestatiebeoordeling

Management control systems and strategy change in buyouts

The impact of management buy-outs (MBO) on strategy and management control systems (MCS) is little understood. Previous research by [Ace. Org. Soc. 17 (1992) 151] focused on efficiency-enhancing buy-outs that were a feature of the early development of the market. However, MBOs are heterogeneous and more recent developments have involved ownership changes that stimulate entrepreneurial practices. The novel contribution of this paper is to use Simons’ [Levers of Control: How Managers Use Innovative Control Systems to Drive Strategic Renewal, Harvard Business School, Cambridge, MA, USA] classification of beliefs systems, boundary systems, diagnostic and interactive control systems to explore management control in these newer forms of MBO. Within-case analysis and cross-case comparisons from two buyout firms are used to capture the interaction between management control systems and competitive strategy formulation, implementation and modification. This evidence supports arguments that buy-out managers undertake efforts in balancing the traditional systems with the newer systems that stimulate opportunity-seeking and learning.

How do you stop the books being cooked? A management-control perspective on financial accounting standard setting and the section 404 requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

The recent series of corporate scandals has resulted in an unprecedented crisis in accounting. Investors have lost faith in financial statements on the assumption that ‘cooking the books’ has become a routine practice in corporate America. Restoring the credibility of financial reporting is clearly an urgent priority, as indicated by the passage of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act, which mandates that chief executive officers personally certify the accuracy of their firms' financial statements. The approach being contemplated by the accounting profession itself is a shift away from the rules-based approach to financial accounting standards used by US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles towards the principles-based approach of International Accounting Standards. Both these initiatives draw attention to the fact that accounting standards are only useful and effective if they are actually implemented by firms in the way the standard setter intended. In other words, the need to ensure implementation of accounting standards by managers who have an incentive to beat analysts' earnings forecasts means that accounting standards have a management-control component. In this paper the authors put forward an ex. post perspective on accounting-standard implementation that places the problem clearly within the domain of control theory. That in turn implies that, to ensure compliance by management, standard setters can make use of the powerful tools that control theory provides — the four levers of control: belief, boundary, diagnostic and interactive control systems. The authors' control perspective provides new insights into accounting standard setting, including the need for both belief and boundary controls rather than reliance on one alone. Of even greater potential significance is the implication this management-control perspective has for the Sarbanes–Oxley Act's section 404 requirement for management and auditor assurance on the effectiveness of a firm's internal controls over financial reporting. A management-control perspective can provide a much-needed framework within which the COSO (The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission) standards can be applied, avoiding an excessive focus on the existence and documentation of controls and increasing their efficacy.

Design of the TJ-II remote participation system

The TJ-II remote participation design has focused initially on providing remote access to elements that depend exclusively on characteristics of the TJ-II environment: data acquisition, data access, and diagnostics control systems. Aspects related to advanced display tools, audio information from the control room or videoconference sessions can be addressed, at least in a first step, by using standard solutions. Remote access will be accomplished through http servers and web browsers as they are standard elements available on all platforms. Access security rests on a validation scheme in which users are identified through a username and password, these data being transferred in a secure way by using a secure socket layer (SSL). After username and password validation, the security system assigns a session ticket to the user, in which the user profile (access authorization list) is encoded. User profiles determine several access levels to the system. Such levels delimit the authorizations for accessing different services according to the allowed degree of interaction of remote users with the TJ-II environment. The ticket will be sent in every user query, in order to test user permission for the requested action. Services can be classified into five groups: Measurement channel setup, read/write access to the TJ-II databases (raw data, analyzed data, elaborated data, and relational databases), diagnostic control system monitoring/programming, advanced data acquisition system configuration and, finally, reading/writing information on TJ-II operation logbook. The TJ-II remote participation system is strongly coupled with the local data acquisition system.

Investigations of materials for windows of the fusion reactor diagnostic systems

Abstract Plasma diagnostic and fusion reactor control systems will need Windows which transparency is unchanged under irradiation. To choose suitable window material for the visible light and to define the influence of irradiation on its properties, the investigations in different countries have been performed. In this paper the main results of the study are summarized. It is demonstrated that quartz glass K.U-1 with the largest content of (OH) is the best of three types of quartz glass with different hydroxyl content, sapphire, spine] and cerium glass after gamma and neutron irradiation. Investigations of quartz glass KU-I have shown that it may be used for diagnostic systems in the fusion reactor. It is suitable for spectral region from ∼300 to 2000 nm. The best window location is behind the dog-leg channels to guard it against the neutral atom fluxes, which can damage its surface and increase diffusion reflection.

Installation of an advanced heavy ion beam diagnostic on the TJ-II stellarator

An advanced 200 keV heavy ion beam diagnostic has been developed for the TJ-II stellarator based on the simultaneous utilization of a 30° Proca–Green electrostatic energy analyzer and a multiple cell array detector. This innovative design allows instantaneous measurements of plasma potential and electron density profiles together with their respective fluctuations. In this article we present a description of the main parts of a heavy ion beam diagnostic (injection system, detectors, and control and data acquisition system) and the results obtained during the first operation on TJ-II. The problems of plasma loading of the detectors and hard x-ray generation associated with the probing beam are reported.

Fuzzy intelligent system for the operation of fossil power plants

In artificial intelligence applications in large-scale industry, such as fossil fuel power plants, the knowledge about the process comes from an expert's experience, and is generally expressed in a vague and fuzzy way, using ill-defined linguistic terms. This paper presents a fuzzy intelligent system to assist an operator of fossil power plants. The approach is characterized as a fuzzy diagnostic and fuzzy control system. The fuzzy diagnostic system is based on a novel representation for dealing with uncertainty and time, called as fuzzy temporal network (FTN). An FTN is a formal and systematic structure, used to model temporal linguistic sentences about the occurrence of an event. The fuzzy controller was designed for the regulation of the steam temperature of a steam generator. The fuzzy rules were obtained by observing the dynamic characteristics of the steam temperature response. The results show that the fuzzy controller has a better performance than advanced model-based controller, either an dynamic matrix control (DMC) or a conventional PID controller. The main benefits are the reduction of the overshoot and the tighter regulation of the superheater and reheater steam temperatures. The intelligent system has shown that fuzzy logic techniques can play an important role in power-plant operation and control tasks. The scheme not only makes the problem formulation more flexible but, if applied correctly, can improve the computational efficiency. This makes it practical for many applications in complex fields where the real-time tasks are important.

Diagnostic autonomous control system for power plant feed water process : P. Lautala, Y. Majanne, J. Henttonen, pp 557–560

Diagnostic autonomous control system for power plant feed water process : P. Lautala, Y. Majanne, J. Henttonen, pp 557–560