Design and control of self-organizing systems
Subtitle: facing complexity with adaptation and self-organization
By: Carlos Gershenson
Publisher: LAP, Lambert Academic Publishing
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Saarbrücken, Germany
Language: eng
Number of pages: 175
ISBN-13: 9783838335285
Subjects: Self-organizing systems; Traffic signs and signals; Adaptive control systems; Automation
Other titles: Design of self-organizing systems
Description: Complex systems are usually difficult to design and control. There are several particular methods for coping with complexity, but there is no general approach to build complex systems. In this book I propose a methodology to aid engineers in the design and control of complex systems. This is based on the description of systems as self-organizing. Starting from the agent metaphor, the methodology proposes a conceptual framework and a series of steps to follow to find proper mechanisms that will promote elements to find solutions by actively interacting among themselves. A general introduction to complex thinking is given, while practical notions of complexity and self-organization are put forward. To illustrate the methodology, I present three case studies. Self- organizing traffic light controllers are proposed and studied with multi-agent simulations, outperforming traditional methods. Methods for improving communication within self-organizing bureaucracies are advanced. Finally, requirements for self- organizing artifacts in an ambient intelligence scenario are discussed. Philosophical implications of the conceptual framework are also put forward.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.