Jim Taylor's Research Projects


The following sections provide an overview of Jim Taylor's research activities, from July 1994 to June 2015. A small sampling of publications is listed here, for quick reference. A complete list of publications, many of which are available for downloading, is provided here.

 Of course, graduate students have been the real driving force in carrying out the projects outlined below. Graduate students and thesis titles are listed here; many of their theses are available for downloading.

Finally, please note that all projects listed below are completed -- I am almost fully retired, and no longer conduct research projects. Therefore, I have no open positions for graduate students or post-doctoral fellows.
  • Intelligent Control with Optimization and Learning:

    Research in this area constitutes the largest and highest priority effort in the program. The primary goal of this work is the creation of "intelligent" supervisory control systems using an appropriate mix of control technology, model-based optimization, heuristics (e.g., conventional or fuzzy-logic-based expert systems) and neural networks to achieve high-level functionality, including self-optimization and learning. The basis for this work is a concept previously developed in the area of intelligent materials processing [1] and outlined here. Current application areas include:
    1. ORPF, ELM -- optimal dispatch for power systems [2 - 5]; see our NB Power Project Press Release
    2. advanced process control for semiconductor manufacturing [6]
    3. improved pulp bleaching for paper production [7, 8]
    4. predictive models for healthcare delivery systems
    5. ICAM, PAWS -- intelligent control/IT for wireless networked control systems [9 - 14]
    6. ASPRI -- forecasting and bidding for networks of distributed energy generators

    Only projects 5 and 6 are currently active, and they are nearly done.

    Research Assistants: Dr. Saied Salamat Sharif (PhD awarded Fall 1998; Post-Doctoral Fellow until March 2004), Ms. Tamara Djokic (MScEng awarded Spring 1999), Mr. Zhao Xiaozhong (MEng awarded October 2001), Mr. Benjamin Moore (BScEng awarded May 2000), Mr. Atalla Sayda (MScEng awarded October 2002; PhD awarded May 2008), Mr. Khaled Mohammed Akida (MScEng awarded May 2005), Ms. Maira Omana (MScEng awarded December 2005; PhD expected Fall 2008), Ms. Liqiang Wang (MScEng awarded January 2006), Ms. Jing He (MScEng awarded May 2006), Mr. Mazyar Laylabadi (MScEng awarded May 2006), Mr. Etienne Dupuis (MScEng awarded August 2008), Ms. Pilar Moreno (MScEng completed January 2010), Mr. Hazem Saad Ibrahim (MScEng awarded May 2010), and Mr. Someshwar Singh (MScEng awarded May 2011).

  • Modelling and Simulation of Hybrid Systems:

    The long-term objective of this research area is the creation of modelling languages and simulation environments that permit the rigourous simulation of Hybrid Systems [15]. This is a core area of research, as modelling and simulation underlies many aspects of developing and validating systems of all kinds. As a first step, we developed several MATLAB routines that handle state events (discontinuities) in continuous-time components [16, 17]. Then we extended the modelling paradigm and algorithms to handle systems comprised of a mix of continuous- and discrete-time components
    [18 - 21]. The software from this effort, and also examples and documentation, are available for downloading from the distribution site.

    This research area is currently inactive.

    Research Assistants: Mr. Dawit Kebede (MScEng awarded May 1997), and Mr. Jie Zhang (MScEng awarded October 2005).

  • Nonlinear Control System Design:

    Work in this area was initiated in 1983 [22], and progressed through a number of extensions and refinements [23 - 27]. The overall objective of this effort is to develop design approaches that synthesize control systems for nonlinear plants that result in minimal sensitivity to input amplitude (e.g., size of a step command input); a family of techniques based on sinusoidal-input describing functions (SIDFs) has been developed. The activity in this area most recently focussed on the creation of software tools for carrying out these approaches (see next topic) and on the extension of these techniques to include the synthesis of amplitude-insensitive fuzzy logic controllers [28, 29].

    Software for SIDF modelling, with examples and documentation, are available for downloading from the distribution site.

    This research area is currently inactive.

    Research Assistants: Ms. Lan Sheng (MScEng awarded May 1998)

  • Computer-Aided Control Engineering Tools/Environments:

    One long-term goal of research in this area is the development of tools and environments that facilitate the Computer-Aided Control Engineering (CACE) of nonlinear systems. So far, we have developed:
    1. a robust linearization tool which not only minimizes truncation and round-off error but also detects and aids the user in handling functions with discontinuities and/or discontinuous slopes [30]
    2. a nonlinear system frequency response tool which uses simulation to generate frequency response data for a nonlinear system via simulation and Fourier analysis [31]
    3. an extended Nyquist criterion tool which is more informative than the intrinsic MATLAB Nyquist command [32]
    4. a Circle criterion tool, implementing a new functionality in MATLAB for the stability analysis of nonlinear time-varying systems [32]
    5. a Popov criterion tool, implementing a new functionality in MATLAB for the stability analysis of nonlinear time-invariant systems [33]

    All of the stability analysis tools are available for downloading from the distribution site.

    A second research thrust is the creation of Intelligent Front Ends for controls-related software. One project initiated in February 1995 involves developing an IFE for the Elsag Bailey INFI90 DCS (Distributed Control System), a powerful hardware and software environment for implementing industrial control systems. Called DAIS (Design Aid for Implementing Systems), this software elicits a high-level definition of the user's problem, matches that problem with the capabilities of the INFI90 to recommend a solution, and assists in implementing that solution (e.g., with tuning controller parameters). This concept is based on references [34, 35] and has been implemented in prototype form [36] and demonstrated to Elsag Bailey technical management. In the final phase, extensions were included to cover the two-input/two-output case [37].

    A third project entails the design and implementation of a Smart Operator Interface and Control Module for an unmanned aerial vehicle. Particular emphasis is being placed on weather conditions/effects: The operator will be able to specify a mission in terms of initiation time and trajectory (way-points), then current and predicted weather data from Environment Canada will be downloaded, and finally a realistic model of the UAV will be simulated for the mission including weather effects (e.g., wind). Thus, the operator will know if the mission is likely to be accomplished or, in the case of adverse winds or inadequate fuel, for example, will know if replanning is advised.

    This research area is currently inactive.

    Research Assistants: Mr. Pavol Seres (MScEng awarded May 1996), Mr. Cheney Chan (BScEng Thesis completed, May 1997), Mr. Michael Barton (BScEng awarded May 1999), and Mr. Sean Perry (MScEng awarded May 2009)

  • Selected References:
    1. J. H. Taylor, L. P. Harris, P. K. Houpt, H.-P. Wang and E. S. Russell, "Intelligent Processing of Materials: Control of Induction-Coupled Plasma Deposition", a chapter in Advanced Sensing, Modelling, and Control of Materials Processing, pp. 275-298, Ed. by E. F. Matthys and B. Kushner, TMS Publications, Warrendale, PA, 1992. [Presented at TMS Annual Meeting (Minerals, Metals & Materials Society; invited paper), New Orleans, LA, February 1991.]
    2. S. S. Sharif, J. H. Taylor and E. F. Hill, "On-line Optimal Power Flow by Energy Loss Minimization", Proc. IEEE Conference on Decision and Control, Kobe, Japan, December 1996.
    3. S. S. Sharif and J. H. Taylor, "MINLP Formulation of Optimal Reactive Power Flow", Proc. American Control Conference, Albuquerque, NM, June 1997.
    4. S. S. Sharif J. H. Taylor and E. F. Hill, "Dynamic On-line Energy Loss Minimization", accepted by IEE Proceedings-C, Generation, Transmission and Distribution, June 2000.
    5. S. S. Sharif and J. H. Taylor, "Real-Time Load Forecasting by Artificial Neural Networks", Proc. IEEE Power Engineering Society Summer Meeting (PES 2000), Seattle, Washington, July 2000.
    6. T. K. Whidden, X. Bao, J. H. Taylor, M. Couturier, P. Lu, Z. Xiaozhong and S. Romet, "In Situ Studies of TEOS/Ozone CVD: Experimental Considerations for Probing Reaction Boundary Layers in Commercial CVD Equipment", Electrochemical Society 194th Meeting, Boston MA, November 1998.
    7. A. Sayda and J. H. Taylor, "Model Predictive Control of a Mechanical Pulp Bleaching Process", Proc. IFAC Workshop on Time-Delay Systems (TDS'03), INRIA, Rocquencourt, France, 8-10 September 2003.
    8. J. H. Taylor and K. M. Akida, "An Extended MPC Algorithm for Processes with Variable and Unpredictable Time Delays", Proc. IEEE Advanced Process Control Applications for Industry Workshop (APC2006), Vancouver, Canada, 8-10 May 2006.
    9. J. H. Taylor and A. Sayda, "An Intelligent Architecture for Integrated Control and Asset Management for Industrial Processes", Proc. IEEE International Symposium on Intelligent Control, Limassol, Cyprus, 27-29 June 2005.
    10. M. Omana and J. H. Taylor, "Enhanced Sensor/Actuator Resolution and Robustness Analysis for FDI Using the Extended Generalized Parity Vector Technique", Proc. American Control Conference, Minneapolis, Minn., 14-16 June 2006.
    11. J. H. Taylor and M. Laylabadi, "A Novel Adaptive Nonlinear Dynamic Data Reconciliation and Gross Error Detection Method", IEEE Conference on Control Applications, Munich, Germany, 4-6 October 2006.
    12. A. Sayda and J. H. Taylor, "An Implementation Plan for Integrated Control and Asset Management of Petroleum Production Facilities", IEEE International Symposium on Intelligent Control, Munich, Germany, 4-6 October 2006.
    13. J. H. Taylor and A. Sayda, "Prototype Design of A Multi-agent System for Integrated Control and Asset Management of Petroleum Production Facilities", Proc. American Control Conference, Seattle, Washington, 11-13 June 2008.
    14. J. H. Taylor and M. Omana, "Fault Detection, Isolation and Accommodation Using the Generalized Parity Vector Technique", Proc. IFAC World Congress, Seoul, Korea, 6-11 July 2008.
    15. J. H. Taylor, "A Modeling Language for Hybrid Systems", Proc. Joint Symposium of Computer-Aided Control System Design, Tucson, AZ, pp. 337-344, March 1994.
    16. J. H. Taylor, "Rigorous Handling of State Events in MATLAB", Proc. IEEE Conference on Control Applications, Albany NY, pp. 156-161, September 1995.
    17. J. H. Taylor and D. Kebede, "Modeling and Simulation of Hybrid Systems", Proc. IEEE Conference on Decision and Control, New Orleans, LA, pp. 2685-2687, December 1995.
    18. J. H. Taylor and D. Kebede, "Modeling and Simulation of Hybrid Systems in MATLAB", Proc. IFAC World Congress Vol. J, San Francisco, CA, pp. 275-280, July 1996.
    19. J. H. Taylor and D. Kebede, "Rigorous Hybrid Systems Simulation of an Electro-mechanical Pointing System with Discrete-time Control", Proc. American Control Conference, Albuquerque, NM, pp. 2786-2789, June 1997.
    20. J. H. Taylor, "Rigorous Hybrid Systems Simulation with Continuous-time Discontinuities and Discrete-time Agents", Proc. 3rd IMACS/IEEE International Multiconference on Circuits, Systems, Communications and Computers, Athens, Greece, July 1999. Chapter 60 in Software and Hardware Engineering for the 21st Century, World Scientific and Engineering Society Press, Athens, Greece and New York, NY, 1999.
    21. J. H. Taylor and J. Zhang, "Rigorous Hybrid Systems Simulation with Continuous-time Discontinuities and Discrete-time Components", Proc. IEEE 15th Mediterranean Conference on Control and Automation (MED'07) Athens, Greece, 27-29 June 2007.
    22. J. H. Taylor, "A Systematic Nonlinear Controller Design Approach Based on Quasilinear System Models", Proc. American Control Conference, San Francisco, CA, June 1983.
    23. J. H. Taylor and K. L. Strobel, "Nonlinear Compensator Synthesis Via Sinusoidal-Input Describing Functions", Proc. American Control Conference, pp. 1242-1247, Boston, MA, June 1985.
    24. J. H. Taylor, "Computer-aided Control Engineering Environment for Nonlinear Systems Analysis and Design", Proc. Third IFAC Symposium on Computer-Aided Design in Control and Engineering Systems, pp. 38-43, Lyngby, Denmark, August 1985.
    25. J. H. Taylor and K. J. Åströ m, "A Nonlinear PID Autotuning Algorithm", Proc. American Control Conference, pp. 2118-2123, Seattle, WA, 18-20 June 1986.
    26. J. H. Taylor and J. R. O'Donnell, "Synthesis of Nonlinear Controllers with Rate Feedback via SIDF Methods", Proc. American Control Conference, pp. 2217-2222, San Diego, CA, May 1990.
    27. J. H. Taylor and J. Lu, "Robust Nonlinear Control System Synthesis Method for Electro-Mechanical Pointing Systems with Flexible Modes", J. of Systems Engineering, Vol. 5 (special issue on motion control systems), pp. 192-204, January 1995.
    28. J. H. Taylor and L. Sheng, "Fuzzy-Logic Controller Synthesis for Electro-mechanical Systems with Nonlinear Friction", Proc. IEEE Conference on Control Applications, Dearborn, Michigan, pp. 820-826, September 1996.
    29. J. H. Taylor and L. Sheng, "Fuzzy-Logic Controller Synthesis Based on Sinusoidal-Input Describing Function Methods and Optimization", Proc. Sixth IEEE Conference on Control Applications, Hartford CT, pp. 219-224, October 1997.
    30. J. H. Taylor and A. J. Antoniotti, "Linearization Algorithm for Computer-Aided Control Engineering", IEEE Control Systems, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 58-64, April 1993.
    31. J. R. O'Donnell and J. H. Taylor, "CAE Tools for Nonlinear Systems Analysis and Design Based on Sinusoidal-Input Describing Functions", Proc. Computer-Aided Design of Control Systems (CADCS'91), pp. 69-74, Swansea, Wales, UK, July 1991.
    32. J. H. Taylor and C. Chan, "Enhanced MATLAB Tools for Linear and Nonlinear System Stability", Proc. IFAC 7th Symposium on Computer-Aided Control System Design, Ghent, Belgium, pp. 293-297, April 1997.
    33. J. H. Taylor and C. Chan, "MATLAB Tools for Linear and Nonlinear System Stability Theorem Implementation", Proc. Sixth IEEE Conference on Control Applications, Hartford CT, pp. 42-47, October 1997.
    34. J. H. Taylor and D. K. Frederick, "An Expert System Architecture for Computer-Aided Control Engineering" (invited paper), Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 72, December 1984.
    35. J. H. Taylor, "Expert-Aided Environments for CAE of Control Systems", Plenary Lecture, Proc. CADCS '88 (Fourth IFAC Symposium of CAD of Control Systems), pp. 7-16, Beijing, PR China, 23 August 1988.
    36. J. H. Taylor and P. Seres, "An Intelligent Front End for Control System Implementation", Proc. IEEE International Symposium on Computer-Aided Control System Design, Dearborn, Michigan, pp. 7-13, September 1996.
    37. J. H. Taylor and C. Chan, "An Expert-Aided Implementation Interface for Industrial Process Control Systems", Proc. 1999 Mediterranean Control Conference (MED99), Haifa, Israel, June 1999.
    38. J. H. Taylor and S. Sharif, "Chaos in Nonlinear Dynamic Systems: Helicopter Vibration Mechanisms", Proc. IEEE 15th Mediterranean Conference on Control and Automation (MED'07) Athens, Greece, 27-29 June 2007.

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Information supplied by: James H. Taylor
Last update: 2018 November 17
Email questions/comments/suggestions to: Jim Taylor (jtaylor@unb.ca)