Smooth Variable Structure Filter Research Articles

Robust SVSF-SLAM for Unmanned Vehicle in Unknown Environment

Abstract: Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is an important topic in the autonomous mobile robot research. The most popular solutions of this problem are the EKF-SLAM and the FAST-SLAM, the former requires an accurate process and observation model and suffer from the linearization problem, and the latter is not suitable for real time implementation. Therefore, a new alternative solution based on the smooth variable structure filter (SVSF-SLAM) algorithm is proposed in this paper to solve the Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) SLAM problem. The SVSF filter which is formulated in a predictor-corrector format is robust face parameters uncertainties and error modeling and doesn’t require any assumption about noise characteristics. In this paper the SVSF-SLAM algorithm is implemented using the odometer and LASER data to construct a map of the environment and localize the UGV within this map. The proposed algorithm is validated and compared to the EKF-SLAM algorithm. Good results are obtained by the SVSF-SLAM comparing to the EKF-SLAM especially when the noise is colored or affected by a variable bias. Which confirm the efficiency of our approaches.

Smooth Variable Structure Filter VSLAM

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is vital for autonomous robot navigation. The robot must build a map of its environment while tracking its own motion through that map. There are many ways to approach the problem, mostly based on the sequential probabilistic approach, based around extended Kalman filter (EKF) or the Rao-Blackwellized particle filter. In order to improve the SLAM solution and to overcome some of the EKF and PF limitations, especially when the process and observation models contain uncertain parameters, we propose to use a robust approach to solve the SLAM problem based on variable structure theory. The new alternative called Smooth Variable Structure Filter SVSF is a predictor corrector estimator based on sliding mode control and estimation concepts. It has been demonstrated that the (SVSF) is stable and very robust face modeling uncertainties and noises. Visual SVSF-SLAM is implemented, validated and compared with EKF-SLAM filter. The comparison confirms the efficient and the robustness of localization and mapping using SVSF-SLAM.

Trapped Unburned Fuel Estimation and Robustness Analysis for a Turbocharged Diesel Engine With Negative Valve Overlap Strategy

Turbocharger and negative valve overlap (NVO) strategy are widely used among advanced combustion modes for internal combustion engines. In order to achieve well emission performance, the NVO can be as large as 100 crank angle (CA) degrees, such that the residual gas fraction can be up to 40%. With such amount of residual gas in the cylinder, the trapped unburned fuel is not trivial. It has a significant impact on the combustion process. However, the trapped unburned fuel mass is hard to be measured directly. In this paper, a novel method based on the signals of oxygen fraction is proposed to estimate it. By analyzing the combustion process, dynamic equations for the intake/exhaust manifolds and in-cylinder oxygen fractions, as well as actual fuel mass in the cylinder are constructed. A smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) was designed to estimate oxygen fractions and further the trapped unburned fuel. As a comparison, Kalman filter (KF) and linear matrix inequality (LMI) based linear parameter-varying (LPV) filter were also applied. Robustness properties of the three observers are analyzed based on the theory of input-to-state (ISS) stability. The proposed models and methods and theoretical analysis are validated and compared through a set of simulations in high-fidelity GT-Power environment. The simulation results match well with theoretical analysis that the SVSF has good properties of strong robustness (with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.24, comparing with 0.4 of LPV filter and 0.49 of KF, for the unburned fuel estimation).

Model-based condition monitoring for lithium-ion batteries

Condition monitoring for batteries involves tracking changes in physical parameters and operational states such as state of health (SOH) and state of charge (SOC), and is fundamentally important for building high-performance and safety-critical battery systems. A model-based condition monitoring strategy is developed in this paper for Lithium-ion batteries on the basis of an electrical circuit model incorporating hysteresis effect. It systematically integrates 1) a fast upper-triangular and diagonal recursive least squares algorithm for parameter identification of the battery model, 2) a smooth variable structure filter for the SOC estimation, and 3) a recursive total least squares algorithm for estimating the maximum capacity, which indicates the SOH. The proposed solution enjoys advantages including high accuracy, low computational cost, and simple implementation, and therefore is suitable for deployment and use in real-time embedded battery management systems (BMSs). Simulations and experiments validate effectiveness of the proposed strategy.

Artificial neural network training utilizing the smooth variable structure filter estimation strategy

A multilayered neural network is a multi-input, multi-output nonlinear system in which network weights can be trained by using parameter estimation algorithms. In this paper, a novel training method is proposed. This method is based on the relatively new smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) and is formulated for feed-forward multilayer perceptron training. The SVSF is a state and parameter estimation that is based on the sliding mode concept and works in a predictor---corrector fashion. The SVSF training performance is tested on three benchmark pattern classification problems. Furthermore, a study is presented comparing the popular back-propagation method, the extended Kalman filter, and the SVSF.

Automotive Internal-Combustion-Engine Fault Detection and Classification Using Artificial Neural Network Techniques

In this paper, an engine fault detection and classification technique using vibration data in the crank angle domain is presented. These data are used in conjunction with artificial neural networks (ANNs), which are applied to detect faults in a four-stroke gasoline engine built for experimentation. A comparative study is provided between the popular backpropagation (BP) method, the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) method, the quasi-Newton (QN) method, the extended Kalman filter (EKF), and the smooth variable structure filter (SVSF). The SVSF is a relatively new estimation strategy, based on the sliding mode concept. It has been formulated to efficiently train ANNs and is consequently referred to as the SVSF-ANN. The accuracy of the proposed method is compared with the standard accuracy of the Kalman-based filters and the popular BP algorithms in an effort to validate the SVSF-ANN performance and application to engine fault detection and classification. The customizable fault diagnostic system is able to detect known engine faults with various degrees of severity, such as defective lash adjuster, piston chirp (PC), and chain tensioner (CT) problems. The technique can be used at any dealership or assembly plant to considerably reduce warranty costs for the company and manufacturer.

Robust fault diagnosis of an electro-hydrostatic actuator using the Novel dynamic second-order SVSF and IMM strategy

This paper introduces a new robust fault detection and identification (FDI) structure applied to an electro-hydrostatic actuator (EHA) experimental setup. This FDI structure consists of the dynamic second-order smooth variable structure filter (Dynamic second-SVSF) and the interacting multiple model (IMM) strategy. The dynamic second-order smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) is a new robust-state estimation method that benefits from the robustness and chattering suppression properties of second-order sliding mode systems. It produces robust-state estimation by preserving the first and second-order sliding conditions such that the measurement error and its first difference are pushed towards zero. Moreover, the EHA prototype works under two different operational regimes that are the normal EHA mode and the faulty EHA mode. The faulty EHA setup contains two types of faults, namely friction and internal leakage. The FDI structure contains a bank of dynamic second-order SVSFs estimating state variables ba...

Reduced-Order Electrochemical Model Parameters Identification and State of Charge Estimation for Healthy and Aged Li-Ion Batteries—Part II: Aged Battery Model and State of Charge Estimation

Recently, extensive research has been conducted in the field of battery management systems due to increased interest in vehicles electrification. Parameters, such as battery state of charge (SOC) and state of health, are of critical importance to ensure safety, reliability, and prolong battery life. This paper includes the following contributions: 1) tracking reduced-order electrochemical battery model parameters variations as battery ages, using noninvasive genetic algorithm optimization technique; 2) the development of a battery aging model capable of capturing battery degradation by varying the effective electrode volume; and 3) estimation of the battery critical SOC using a new estimation strategy known as the smooth variable structure filter based on reduced-order electrochemical model. The proposed filter is used for SOC estimation and demonstrates strong robustness to modeling uncertainties, which is relatively high in case of reduced-order electrochemical models. Batteries used in this research are lithium-iron phosphate cells widely used in automotive applications. Extensive testing using real-world driving cycles is used for estimation strategy application and for conducting the aging test. Limitations of the proposed strategy are also highlighted.

Kalman and smooth variable structure filters for robust estimation

The extended Kalman filter (EKF) and the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) are among the most popular estimation methods. The smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) is a relatively new sliding mode estimator. In an effort to use the accuracy of the EKF and the UKF and the robustness of the SVSF, the filters have been combined, resulting in two new estimation strategies, called the EK-SVSF and the UK-SVSF, respectively. The algorithms were validated by testing them on a well-known target tracking computer experiment.

Combined cubature Kalman and smooth variable structure filtering: A robust nonlinear estimation strategy

In this paper, nonlinear state estimation problems with modeling uncertainties are considered. As demonstrated recently in literature, the cubature Kalman filter (CKF) provides the closest known approximation to the Bayesian filter in the sense of preserving second-order information contained in noisy measurements under the Gaussian assumption. The smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) has also been recently introduced and has been shown to be robust to modeling uncertainties. In an effort to utilize the accuracy of the CKF and the robustness of the SVSF, the CKF and SVSF have been combined resulting in an algorithm referred to as the CK–SVSF. The robustness and accuracy of the CK–SVSF was validated by testing it on two different computer problems, namely, a target tracking problem and the estimation of the effective bulk modulus in an electrohydrostatic actuator.

Novel Model-Based Estimators for the Purposes of Fault Detection and Diagnosis

The interacting multiple model (IMM) strategy is particularly useful for systems that behave according to a number of different operating modes. In this strategy, each operating mode is described by a model and has its own filter. The filters are run in parallel, and an overall operating mode probability is calculated that provides an indication of the current operating regime of the system. The smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) is a relatively new estimation method based on the sliding mode concept, formulated in a predictor-corrector form. For systems with modeling uncertainties, the SVSF has shown to be more accurate and robust when compared with other methods such as the extended Kalman filter (EKF). A newer form of the SVSF makes use of a time-varying smoothing boundary layer (SVSF-VBL). This paper introduces new model-based estimators; based on the IMM strategy combined with the SVSF and SVSF-VBL, referred to as the IMM-SVSF and IMM-SVSF-VBL, respectively. The new strategies are applied to a type of aerospace actuator referred to as an electrohydrostatic actuator, which provides a comprehensive system for fault detection and diagnosis. The results are compared with the popular IMM-EKF strategy.

A New Robust Filtering Strategy for Linear Systems

Abstract For linear and well-defined estimation problems with Gaussian white noise, the Kalman filter (KF) yields the best result in terms of estimation accuracy. However, the KF performance degrades and can fail in cases involving large uncertainties such as modeling errors in the estimation process. The smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) is a relatively new estimation strategy based on sliding mode theory and has been shown to be robust to modeling uncertainties. The SVSF makes use of an existence subspace and of a smoothing boundary layer to keep the estimates bounded within a region of the true state trajectory. Currently, the width of the smoothing boundary layer is chosen based on designer knowledge of the upper bound of modeling uncertainties, such as maximum noise levels and parametric errors. This is a conservative choice, as a more well-defined smoothing boundary layer will yield more accurate results. In this paper, the state error covariance matrix of the SVSF is used for the derivation of an optimal time-varying smoothing boundary layer. The robustness and accuracy of the new form of the SVSF was validated and compared with the KF and the standard SVSF by testing it on a linear electrohydrostatic actuator (EHA).

Kalman filtering strategies utilizing the chattering effects of the smooth variable structure filter

The Kalman filter (KF) remains the most popular method for linear state and parameter estimation. Various forms of the KF have been created to handle nonlinear estimation problems, including the extended Kalman filter (EKF) and the unscented Kalman filter (UKF). The robustness and stability of the EKF and UKF can be improved by combining it with the recently proposed smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) concept. The SVSF is a predictor–corrector method based on sliding mode concepts, where the gain is calculated based on a switching surface. A phenomenon known as chattering is present in the SVSF, which may be used to determine changes in the system. In this paper, the concept of SVSF chattering is introduced and explained, and is used to determine the presence of modeling uncertainties. This knowledge is used to create combined filtering strategies in an effort to improve the overall accuracy and stability of the estimates. Simulations are performed to compare and demonstrate the accuracy, robustness, and stability of the Kalman-based filters and their combinations with the SVSF.

Nonlinear Estimation Techniques Applied on Target Tracking Problems

This paper discusses the application of four nonlinear estimation techniques on two benchmark target tracking problems. The first problem is a generic air traffic control (ATC) scenario, which involves nonlinear system equations with linear measurements. The second study is a classical ground surveillance problem, where a moving airborne platform with a sensor is used to track a moving target. The tracking scenario is set in two dimensions, with the measurement providing nonlinear bearing-only observations. These two target tracking problems provide a good benchmark for comparing the following nonlinear estimation techniques: the common extended and unscented Kalman filters (EKF/UKF), the particle filter (PF), and the relatively new smooth variable structure filter (SVSF). The results of applying the SVSF on the two target tracking problems demonstrate its stability and robustness. Both of these attributes make use of the SVSF advantageous over other popular methods. The filters performances are quantified in terms of robustness, resilience to poor initial conditions and measurement outliers, and tracking accuracy and computational complexity. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the effectiveness of applying the SVSF on nonlinear target tracking problems, which in the past have typically been solved by Kalman or particle filters.

THE SMOOTH PARTICLE VARIABLE STRUCTURE FILTER

In this paper, a new state and parameter estimation method is introduced based on the particle filter (PF) and the smooth variable structure filter (SVSF). The PF is a popular estimation method, wh...

Iterative Smooth Variable Structure Filter for Parameter Estimation

The smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) is a recently proposed predictor-corrector filter for state and parameter estimation. The SVSF is based on the sliding mode control concept. It defines a hyperplane in terms of the state trajectory and then applies a discontinuous corrective action that forces the estimate to go back and forth across that hyperplane. The SVSF is robust and stable to modeling uncertainties making it suitable for fault detection application. The discontinuous action of the SVSF results in a chattering effect that can be used to correct modeling errors and uncertainties in conjunction with adaptive strategies. In this paper, the SVSF is complemented with a novel parameter estimation technique referred to as the iterative bi-section/shooting method (IBSS). This combined strategy is used for estimating model parameters and states for systems in which only the model structure is known. This combination improves the performance of the SVSF in terms of rate of convergence, robustness, and stability. The benefits of the proposed estimation method are demonstrated by its application to an electrohydrostatic actuator.

Estimation Strategies for the Condition Monitoring of a Battery System in a Hybrid Electric Vehicle

This paper discusses the application of condition monitoring to a battery system used in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). Battery condition management systems (BCMSs) are employed to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of a battery, ultimately to guarantee the availability of electric power. This is critical for the case of the HEV to ensure greater overall energy efficiency and the availability of reliable electrical supply. This paper considers the use of state and parameter estimation techniques for the condition monitoring of batteries. A comparative study is presented in which the Kalman and the extended Kalman filters (KF/EKF), the particle filter (PF), the quadrature Kalman filter (QKF), and the smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) are used for battery condition monitoring. These comparisons are made based on estimation error, robustness, sensitivity to noise, and computational time.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF A SMOOTH VARIABLE STRUCTURE FILTER AND THE EXTENDED KALMAN FILTER

A new method of filtering strategy, referred to as the Smooth Variable Structure Filter (SVSF) is applied to the problem of state estimation on a class of nonlinear system. The SVSF is revised to reach the better estimation resolution. A comparative study is presented in which the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is applied to the same nonlinear system model. The estimation convergence and accuracy of the SVSF and EKF are comparable. The robustness of the SVSF to parameter variations is established through simulation results. This study is important because it allows the new SVSF to be critically compared to a standard technique such as the EKF.

A smooth variable structure filter for state estimation

A new method of filtering strategy, referred to as the smooth variable structure filter (SVSF) is reviewed and applied to the problem of state estimation. The reaching stability of the SVSF (closel...

The Smooth Variable Structure Filter

<para xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> In this paper, a new method for state estimation, referred to as the smooth variable structure filter (SVSF), is presented. The SVSF method is model based and applies to smooth nonlinear dynamic systems. It allows for the explicit definition of the source of uncertainty and can guarantee stability given an upper bound for uncertainties and noise levels. The performance of the SVSF improves with more refined definition of upper bounds on parameter variations or uncertainties. Furthermore, most filtering methods provide as their measure of performance the filter innovation vector or (output) estimation error. However in addition to the innovation vector, the SVSF has a secondary set of performance indicators that correlate to the modeling errors specific to each state or parameter that is being estimated. The combined robustness and multiple indicators of performance allow for dynamic refinement of internal models in the SVSF. Dynamic refinement and robustness are features that are particularly advantageous in fault diagnosis and prediction. In this paper, the applications of the SVSF to linear and nonlinear systems, including one pertaining to fault detection, are provided. The characteristics of this filter in terms of its accuracy and rate of convergence are discussed. </para>