Neural network-based adaptive control technique

A schematic diagram of the neural network-based adaptive control technique is shown in Fig. 4.9. A neural network identification model is trained using a static backpropagation algorithm to generate p(fc + 1), given past values of y and u. The identification error is then used to update the weights of the neural identification model. The control error is used to update the... 

Various neural network-based adaptive control techniques were discussed in this study. A major problem in implementing neural network-based MRACs is the translation of the output error between the plant and the reference model so as to train the neural controller. A technique called iterative inversion, which inverts the neural identification model of the plant for calculating neural controller gains, has been used. Due to the real-time computer hardware limitations, the performance of neural network-based adaptive control systems is verified using simulation studies only. These results show that neural-network based MRACs can be designed and implemented on smart structures. 

Having successfully implemented conventional MRAC techniques, the next logical step was to try to incorporate the MRAC techniques into a neural network-based adaptive control system. The ability of multilayered neural networks to approximate linear as well as nonlinear functions is well documented and has foimd extensive application in the area of system identification and adaptive control. The noise-rejection properties of neural networks makes them particularly useful in smart structure applications. Adaptive control schemes require only limited a priori knowledge about the system to be controlled. The methodology also involves identification of the plant model, followed by adaptation of the controller parameters based on a continuously updated plant model. These properties of adaptive control methods makes neural networks ideally suited for both identification and control aspects [7-11]. 

Chapter 12 introduces the use of neural network techniques and their application in modeling physiological control systems. As their name imphes, neural networks are computational algorithms based upon the computational structure of the nervous system, and are characterized as distributed processing and adaptive. Neural networks have been used to describe the control of arm movements with electrical stimulation and the adaptive control of arterial blood pressure. 

A biomedical control system that utilizes a neurophysiologically-based approach has been developed for use in Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation (FNS) systems [Abbas, 1995 Abbas and Chizeck, 1995). FNS is a rehabilitation engineering technique that uses computer-controlled electrical stimuli to activate paralyzed muscle. The task of a control system is to determine appropriate stimulation levels to generate a given movement or posture. The neural network control system utilizes a block diagram structure that is based on hierarchical models of the locomotor control system. It also utilizes a heterogenous network of neurons, some of which are capable of endogenous oscillation. This network has been shown to provide rapid adaptation of the control system parameters [Abbas and Chizeck, 1995 Abbas and Triolo, 1997] and has been shown to exhibit modulation of reflex responses [Abbas, 1995]. 

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