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AUTOMATION OF DESIGNING FUNCTIONING PROCESSES

OF MAN-MACHINE SYSTEMS

Mikhail Grif, Yevgeny TsoY, ZHANG XIANKUI

Novosibirsk State Technical University, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation

Abstract: The paper presents a review of the authors monograph on the theory and

practice of optimal process design of man-machine systems (MMS) according to

efficiency, quality and reliability (EQR) indices on the basis of functional-structural

theory, artificial intelligence methods, and sequential variant analysis. It pools the

necessary information about the models, methods, technologies and software, applied

tools.

I. INTRODUCTION

Design of man-machine systems functioning processes (MMS FP) according to

efficiency, quality and reliability indices occupies an important place in the automation

of design work, object control and making decisions in various branches of industry.

The MMS class may be sufficiently wide: computerized process control systems,

computer-aided design systems, computer-aided research systems, operator systems,

systems of ergonomic research automation, etc.

National and foreign experience of MMS creation and development shows that striving

for increasing the adequacy of the employed models of MMS functioning process due

to the introduction of an increasing number of accountable factors, and extension of the

alternatives sets poses objective difficulties for choosing the optimal variant of MMS

FP execution. Thus the urgency of approaches to optimal design of MMS functioningprocesses providing an opportunity for generation and fast analysis of a sufficiently

large number of alternatives increases.

In spite of a wide range of the MMS FP available (semi-Markov processes, formal

grammar, Petri nets, logical automata, logical-linguistic models, GERT and PERT nets,

functional and functional-semantic models), none of these is free of this or that

disadvantage and cannot be wholly used as a basis for the present-day MMS FP design

automation. Nevertheless, analysis of the models indicated shows that with relation to

the starting point, for further modernization and practical use in optimal design, the

functional-structural MMS theory and Prof. A.I. Gubinskys generalized structural

method are the most complex and prospective. In its invariable form, MMS functional-

structural theory has a number of limitations on its use in the optimal design system:

It is mostly based on the probability models for calculating EQR indices, with

the facilities for taking into account fuzzy data;

It is mostly based on the structural analysis methods of functional and being not

available element system structure, which complicates modeling complex

(large) system;

It does not contain facilities for transition to invariant optimization problem

statements for their most efficient solution.

The present work develops an approach to optimal design of MMS FP according to

efficiency, quality and reliability indices on the basis of the models of functional-

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structural theory, artificial intelligence and sequential variant analysis methods which

should lift the above restrictions.

The monograph is written on the basis of the authors original research. It contains

seven chapter.

II. PROBLEM STATEMENT

Chapter 1 of the monograph considers the major models, methods and technologies for

optimal MMS FP design according to probability and fuzzy indices of efficiency,

quality and reliability. Comparison of basic methods and models and recommendations

for their efficient use are given.

The MMS functioning process is understood as a logic-time sequence of actions and

operations of the ergatic and non-ergatic system elements resistant towards disturbances

and leading to achieving the goal (or goals) of functioning [1]. MMS FP runs in inter-

connected spaces: MMS elements E , executed functions F , MMS states S, theoccurring events W and MMS indices Q . The MMS FP optimization problem

statement is of the following form:

d

EQR

MA

extr

,)((1)

where A is the variant of MMS FP execution; )(EQR the optimality critetion

for the EQR criteria combination; dM a set of admissible alternatives. As the EQR

criteria, the probability of correct (error free) execution )(AB , mean time )(AT and

average expenses (profit) )(AV resulting from the execution, the probability of timely

realization of )dTt(P < , fuzzy probability of correct realization of )(~

AB , fuzzy

expenses (profit) )(~

AV and realization time )(~

AT are applied.

III. SET OF ALTERNATIVES CONSTRUCTION

Chapter 2 describes the methods of MMS FP optimization model representation on the

basis of functional and functional-semantic net work with the application of MMS

element sets, executed functions and operations. Estimates of alternatives set power,

structural and object oriented design strategies as well as a method for obtaining a

unified knowledge base of MMS FP in the production-logical form are given.

The operation MQWMSEFOO ),,,,( is understood as a process of function F

performance by the element E in the state of MMS s. As a result, some antithetical

events WMW can take place. Probable or (and) fuzzy indices EQR),,,()( SEEFOfWQ = are connected with each eventW . As a simple operation, there

used standard functional units (SFU), working operation (WO), and two SFU of

condition testing: testing the performance correctness of the operation controlled

(functional control (FC)) and testing the equipment efficiency and (or) human beings

ability to work (diagnostic control (DC)). While performing WO SFU A , two events

are probable: 1A

W as correct realization and 0A

W as non-correct. Realization of FC (DC)

SFU involves four events: )(1011

WW is the recognition of the condition tested as true

(false) with its actual truth; )(0001

WW the recognition of the condition tested as true

(false) with its actual falsity. Fuzzy EQR indices, for instance, for working operation A :)(

~)(

~AT,AB and )(

~AV have the membership function ))((~)),((~ ATTABB and ))((

~ AVV ,

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correspondingly, where )],(),([)( ABABAB )],(),([)( ATATAT )](),([)( AVAVAV . One

of the most wide-spread forms of fuzzy values representation is used, namely,

expansion of )(~

)(~

AT,AB and )(~AV into - levels:

]1,0[

)](),([)(~

=

ABABAB ;

]1,0[

)](),([)(~

=

ATATAT

;

]1,0[

)](),([)(~

=

AVAVAV .

The set of principal standard functional structures (SFS) SFSM contains 12 structures

[2]. Each SFS as an algorithmic structure is a binary relation of control transfer to the

set of operators (SO) and conditions (FC, DC). It is also possible to specify the i -th

SFS and equivalent to this SFUOO as n - local relation ,...),(21

iii OOSFSO= , where

the equivalent SFU (ESFU) O is called a compound operation. The compound

operation can be only of WO type. To calculate the ESFU indices, the previously

derived formulas the arguments of which are SFU containing SFS are used. The

separate the MMS functioning process (functional network (FN)) is rerepresented as a

SFS superposition [2]:

),...,,(21 k

iiiiz OOOSFSO = , (2)

where SFSi SFS , jiO is a simple or compound operation. The simple operation (the

final one) does not have an equivalent SFS, and the compound one is specified by

analogy with (2) ),...,,( 21 kssssjiOOOSFSO

= , SFSs SFS , where the operations

ksOsOsO ,...,2

,1 , in its turn, are either simple or compound. Let us say that the two

operations with the same function: F- )QEF(O 1,1, and )QEF(O 2,2, are alternative

(parametric) ways of fulfilling operationsO , as well as )sOsO(sO ,...2,1= , si are

structural" ones. The sources of forming parametric alternatives SFU and FN are, onthe whole, alternative values of simple elements parameters (MMS element structure

objects); alternative relations for composite elements; alternative assignments of

elements to simple operations. The alternatives set can be specified graphically by

means of alternative graph (AG) [2]. The generation algorithm (calculation of EQR) of

FN zO in (2) starts with the most embedded compound operations)sOsO(skO ,...2

,1= and extends to the top level )iOiO(izO ,...2,1= . In structured

programming, three strategies of program development are singled out. These are

bottom-up, top-down and mixed ones. Since the generalized-structured method [1],

lying in the basis of AG, to a significant degree relies on analogical to the structured

programming paradigms, namely SFU, SFS, the convolution of SFS to the equivalent

to them SFI, FN analysis and synthesis, then when AG is being formed, all the three

above mentioned strategies can be applied. Let us note the disadvantages of the

structured strategy. As a result of bottom-up and top-down design procedures, only one

invariant form of MA assignment )()( zAinvMzAM is generated; duplication of

element structure description with the assignments of MMS similar elements to

different operations; tight binding of implementation techniques to the specific

fragments; difficulties connected with the organization of situation control of the FN

alternatives set structure; weak standardization of FN fragments. The object-oriented

model of description and quantitative estimates of MMS FP indices (object-oriented

functional network) is constructed by way of synthesis of functional-structured theory,

object-oriented design, fuzzy sets and methods (models) of artificial intelligence [2].The basis of this model is the object-oriented method of FP specifying, the elements of

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which are classes, objects, relations (of inheritance, filling, metaclass, application),

properties, methods, etc.. Within the framework of this technique, the description of the

set of alternatives and its modification methods is made. In [2], one-to-one

correspondence between the description of MMS FP alternatives sets for the FN models

(functional-semantic models (FSM)) and production-logical knowledge base in the

form of the Prolog language is defined. In [2], a Prolog-program generating AS takinginto account the feasible of variants implementing the generation algorithm is

presented.

IV. THE SEQUENTIAL OPTIMIZATION METHOD

Chapter 3 presents the research results of probability and fuzzy MMS indices in order

to reveal the monotone recursiveness properties. The above properties are further

applied to constructing optimization algorithms.

Chapter 4 considers the method of MMS FP sequential optimization for the functional

net work model within the general scheme of sequential variant analysis method. The

necessary and sufficient condition of optimality and feasibility of partial solutions areformulated and proved, the estimates of power and labour requirements for generation

of a set of non-dominating alternatives are obtained, the efficiency of various schemes

for approximated optimization algorithms is investigated.

Chapter 5 describes the choice of optimal algorithm for directed exhaustive search by

way of solution to a problem of the given algorithm labour requirements minimization.

A method of solution to the above problem (strategy) related to the invariant

transformation of the alternatives sets: change in the partial solutions generation

sequence, simplification of the necessary optimality conditions for the particular case of

the sets of alternatives and limitations, cancellation of certain check on the necessary

optimality conditions are proposed and theoretically substantiated. The problem of

parallelizing the algorithm for directed exhaustive search consisting in the solution of

the initial optimization problem on several computers is considered. The structure of the

Prolog-program implementing the developed method of sequential MMS FP

optimization directly on the production-logical knowledge base by way of the inference

procedure is described.

In [2], a sequential optimization method for the MMS FP on the basis of SF

model within the framework of general scheme of variants sequential analysis method

with the stepwise construction of partial solutions has been developed. A specific

algorithm of stepwise construction is determined by the choice rule of partial solutions

(subnets) , subject to development at each step, and a test kit , carrying out the

sifting of those which cant be completed to the optimal ones. Variation of parameters and leads to various algorithms of the sequential variants analysis method applied

to the MMS FP optimization problems for the functional net works. The rules of sifting

the unpromising partial solutions are based on the property of monotone

recursiveness of probable and fuzzy indices and depend on the type of problem (1). The

estimation of non-dominated (by Pareto) alternatives power (partial solutions) is made

for the particular case of truncated (without optimal alternative choice) algorithm for

directed search (ADS). The working time is interpreted as mean time (the number of

machine operations) required for the optimization problem solution. As a result of

numerical modeling, the ADS working time estimate has been obtained. Also, the

working time estimate for verifying the necessary conditions of partial solutions

feasibility as well as the necessary conditions of optimality according to the efficiencyfunction has been derived. In [3] the description and results of comparative analysis of

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approximate methods efficiency for the problem solution (1) : a sequential genetic

algorithm and scheme with additional compression of partial solutions in ADS, where

the advantage of the latter according to accuracy and deriving the solution is shown, is

presented. In [3] the problem of choosing the optimal ADS as a problem of the given

algorithm working time minimization is stated. Methods for solution to the problem

indicated (strategy) connected with the invariant transformations of the set ofalternatives (alternative graph) [2]: changing the partial solutions generation sequence,

simplification of the necessary optimality conditions (NOC) for the SA partial cases

and constraints, cancellation of some verifications of the NOC themselves are

suggested and theoretically substantiated. The ADS paralleling problem is considered,

which consists in solving the initial optimization problems on several computers in case

when it is impossible to obtain the solution on one computer during the feasible time.

The variant selection criterion of computers distribution among operators of generation

and sifting partial solutions with the availability of spare computers the meaning of

which consists in the maximal use of spare (available) computers has been introduced.

On the basis of this criterion, a general scheme for parallel ADS implementation has

been suggested. The Prolog-program structure implementing the method of MMS FPsequential optimization including ADS optimization strategy directly with the

production-logical knowledge base by means of the inference mechanism is described

[2].

V. MMS FP DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

Chapter 6 considers the MMS FP design technologies and software. Elements of

structural and object-oriented approach as well as detailed description of hybrid expert

design system MMS FP INTELLECT-2 are given.

Chapter 7 reviews typical examples of practical application of the developed software

for the MMS FP optimal design problems.

In [2] a conception, the major principles and elements of the MMS functioning

processes design technology according to the EQR probable and fuzzy indices have

been formulated. The basis of the technology is an object-oriented and structural

approach to the MMS FP design, the sequential optimization method and production-

logical knowledge base covering all aspects of the design environment. The design

technology indicated has been implemented most completely in the form of hybrid

expert system INTELLECT-2 functioning on the IBM PC-type computer in the

operational environment Win32, programming languages C++ Builder and Visual

Prolog and offering the user the following opportunities (Fig 1): to specify MMS FP

sets of alternatives the form of alternative graph with the application of structural and(or) object-oriented technologies; form directories of MMS elements, functions and

SFU used in an object-oriented form; to turn on the arbitrary production-logical

knowledge base in the form of Prolog-program and translate the optimization model as

well as any of its components in the Prolog-program; to determine the optimality

criterions and constraints of the optimization problems on the basis of probable or

fuzzy indices; to make the estimation of power and working time of obtaining the

efficient solutions for all the SFU of the alternative graph; to choose the optimal

algorithm of directed search; to specify the control parameters for the optimization

algorithm; to control the process of optimization problem solution; to select the set of

effective solutions to the arbitrary SF in AG; to represent the design results and then

store them in the archived file.

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Fig. 1. Hybrid expert system INTELLECT-2.

CONCLUSIONS

The models and methods of the MMS FP optimal design considered in the present

monograph do not completely meet the needs of the MMS designers.

The authors think that the long-term problems for further investigation which could

become the topics of dissertation research are as follows:

1. Integration of factor and process MMS optimization models.

2. Developing joint-use technologies for simulation and optimization models.

3. Formulation of optimization problems with the application of linguistic

variables (terms).4. Taking into account the figures of merit and types of defects in the MMS FP

models when accomplishing an operations.

5. Developing parallel schemes for optimization algorithms.

REFERENCES

[1] Gubinsky A.I., Reliability and Quality of Ergatic Systems Functioning

Leningrad: Nauka, 1982. (In Russian)

[2] Grif M.G., Tsoi Ye.B., Implementation of the Method of Sequential Variant

Analysis with Complex Systems Optimization according to Fuzzy and Probable

Indices //Siberian Journal of Industrial Mathematics, 2001, Volume IV. No 2(8). PP. 123-141. (In Russian)

[3] Grif M.G., The Choice of Effective Algorithm of Sequential Man-Machine

Systems Optimization //Papers of Siberian Division of Higher School Academy

of Sciences, 2 (4). PP. 53-59. (In Russain)

[4] Grif M.G., Tsoi Ye.B.Automation of Designing of Functioning Processes of Man-

Machine Systems based on the Method of Sequential Optimization.

Novosibirsk, NGTU: Publishing house , 2005. - 262 p. (In Russian)

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