DEPT OF INDUSTRIAL & MFG SYS ENGG



Researcher : Au KCG

List of Research Outputs

Chan F.T.S., Au K.C.G. and Chan P.L.Y., A decision support system for production scheduling in an ion plating cell, International Journal of Expert Systems With Applications. 2006, 30(4): 727-738.


Researcher : Chan FTS

Project Title:Feasibility study of developing a central-coordinating system for supply chains
Investigator(s):Chan FTS
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Small Project Funding
Start Date:11/2003
Completion Date:10/2005
Abstract:
To develop a central-coordinating system (CCS), which integrates several local collaborations into a full-scale supply chain collaboration.


Project Title:Development of an Intelligent Warehouse Management Information System for the Improvement of Palletization and Storage Efficiency
Investigator(s):Chan FTS
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Freight Forwarder Computer Advocate Ltd.
Start Date:09/2004
Abstract:
This project aims to apply computer simulation and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to automate the decision making process for the palletization and storage operations to achieve the maximization of spacing utilization and responsiveness of stock-in/take-out operations in 3PL’s warehouse. Specific objectives to be accomplished include: (1) To build the DSS database which contains all the parameters relevant to the palletization and storage operations. (2) To establish various Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) for the proposed intelligent WMIS, especially to illustrate the instructions of palletization and warehouse storage. (3) To develop palletization heuristic which takes into account the volume utilization, loading time, loading stability, work-in-process space, and some practical constraints. (4) To develop storage heuristic which takes into account the operation time, number of pick up points, travel distance, number of reallocation, and some practical constraints. (5) To develop computer simulation models of the intelligent WMIS to analyze the “What-if” scenarios.


Project Title:Feasibility study of developing a decision support system for a plant with resource constraints under uncertain environment
Investigator(s):Chan FTS
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:ASM Assembly Automation Ltd. - General Award
Start Date:10/2004
Abstract:
This research project aims at feasibility study of developing a sophisticated Decision Support System (DSS) for a workshop of a semi-conductor equipment and material manufacturing company to address the shop floor scheduling problems with resource constraints under uncertain environment. Significant impacts and sustainable benefits will be obtained on the company via this project: (a) reduce the time frame to make scheduling decisions, (b) reduce manufacturing lead time, (c) improve the efficiency and effectiveness of schedule generation and resource allocation, (d) improve the sensitivity of the schedules to uncertain environment, (e) map the uncertain and vague information available in the real life shop floor scenarios, (f) optimize the overall shop floor performance with multi-objective function, (g) optimize the overall operating cost while keeping a reasonable level of productivity and customer satisfaction.


Project Title:Development of a decision support system for a stamping shop under operational uncertainty
Investigator(s):Chan FTS
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Small Project Funding
Start Date:11/2004
Completion Date:10/2006
Abstract:
To develop a sophisticated Decision Support System (DSS) for making scheduling decisions under resource constraints and uncertain environment for the stamping shop of a company.


Project Title:Design and Development of a Distributed Information System for an Electroplating Company
Investigator(s):Chan FTS
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Confi Metal Finishing Company Limited - General Award
Start Date:01/2005
Abstract:
This research project aims at designing and developing a distributed information system for an electroplating company. The system spans across two sites in PRC and one site in Hong Kong. The system will support daily operations in production and order fulfillment of the company. Significant impacts and sustainable benefits will be obtained on the company via this project: 1. Maximize utilization of factories' resources. 2. Improved visibility on materials usage, capacity loading, order status etc. 3. Minimize lateness of sales orders and improve customer's satisfaction. 4. Support effective allocation of orders in Hong Kong office. 5. Utilize existing IT resources, e.g. databases developed in the two factories. 6. Support transfer of factories' data to Hong Kong office. 7. Standardize and integrate production data like BOM, routing information of electroplating processes. 8. Enhance security of company's confidential data.


Project Title:Development of an interactive web-based aptitude assessment system for assisting allocation of projects to students
Investigator(s):Chan FTS
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Run Run Shaw Research and Teaching Endowment Fund - Teaching Grants
Start Date:02/2005
Completion Date:12/2005
Abstract:
This project is concerned with assisting allocation of projects to students through a web-based aptitude assessment system. Final year students have to choose from a list of possible projects offered by academic staff. The students need to complete an on-line questionnaire of indicate their interest and ability. The academic staff specifies a list of project component requirements and their weightings for each project. The system then generates a ranked list of students who are suitable for each project.


Project Title:Investigation on the Development of an Intelligent Warehouse Management Information System for the Improvement of Operational Efficiency
Investigator(s):Chan FTS
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Seed Funding Programme for Applied Research
Start Date:08/2005
Completion Date:01/2007
Abstract:
Freight Forwarders' Computer Advocate Company, hereinafter called FFCA, was established in 1996, and initially concentrated on the development of a freight forwarding computerized solution for the local Hong Kong market. With a team of experienced staff in the computer science and engineering field, it gradually developed a well-connected sales channel in the market and, in 1998, has changed to Freight Forwarders' Computer Advocate Ltd. with a major vision to provide electronic solutions to every single entity in the entire logistics flow. The first designs from FFCA were computer-assisted systems, which satisfied the daily needs of the freight forwarding operation, namely Computer Automated Seafreight System (CASS) and Computer Automated Airfreight System (CAAS). With its success in distributing CASS and CAAS, in 1997, FFCA was appointed by several freight forwarding companies in Hong Kong to develop an accounting program, a sales module, a courier software, a haulage package, a warehouse application, and a cargo tracking supplement to work tightly with both CASS and CAAS. They jointly built the package solution, Computer Automated Freight Forwarding System (CAFFS) to serve the Hong Kong freight forwarding market. In 1998, FFCA launched its new Cargo Tracking System (CTS) series of solutions for both the exporting and importing shipping agents, worldwide to provide superior data interchange. As the massive economic growth of Mainland China, the quantity of import and export has been steadily increased. Moving physical components along is the need of logistics services. As a logistics centre, Hong Kong may certainly benefit. With the addition to the Closest Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), the booming opportunities in the logistics and relevant sectors has increased and attracted much attention recently. With the increasing growth of the logistics demand, some hidden problems also become more and more obvious and serious. The logistics services providers reveal that their operation efficiency has decreased as the quantity of the handling item increased. The reasons have mainly raised from the data input processing, palletization, and storage problems. They found that their warehouses have been operating under a very dynamic environment, which makes them difficult and even impossible to control. Even though with the support of FFCA’s WMIS software, the existing function of WMIS cannot solve their problems. In this connection, they seek solutions of those problems. Motivated and appointed by its customers again, FFCA is keen to advance its WMIS through embedding AI in it. The aim of this project is to apply computer simulation and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to automate the decision making process for the palletization and storage operations to achieve the maximization of spacing utilization and responsiveness of stock-in/take-out operations in Third Party Logistics (3PL) warehouses. Specific objectives to be accomplished include: 1. To build a database which contains all the parameters relevant to the palletization and storage operations. 2. To establish various Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) for the proposed intelligent Warehouse Management Information System (WMIS), especially to illustrate the instructions of palletization and warehouse storage. 3. To develop palletization heuristic which takes into account the volume utilization, loading time, loading stability, work-in-process space, and some practical constraints. 4. To develop storage heuristic which takes into account the operation time, number of pick up points, travel distance, number of reallocation, and some practical constraints. 5. To develop computer simulation models of the intelligent WMIS to analyze the “What-if” scenarios. 6. To apply the Innovation and Technology Fund –University Industry Collaboration Programme -- Matching Grant for Joint Research, for the implementation of the finalized solution model.


Project Title:Development of a Decision Support System for the Improvement of Air-cargo Containers Loading Efficiency with the objective of minimising cost
Investigator(s):Chan FTS
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Small Project Funding
Start Date:12/2005
Abstract:
Objectives: The aspiration of the project is to develop a practically implementable methodology for optimising the Air-cargo containers loading plan to minimise the freight cost under resource constraints. The specific objectives to be accomplished through this project encompass: (i) To develop the quantitative model for selecting the optimum number and type of air-cargo containers to provide minimum freight cost from a given cargo lot and available containers. (ii) To develop a heuristic to optimise the filling of selected containers and accordingly provide the loading plan for each cargo box. Loading plan for each cargo box will have the name of container to which it will be loaded and the associated location inside the container for minimisation of freight-cost. (iii) To ensure that the critical parameters, such as different sizes and shapes of the containers, their pivot weight, volume, pivot cost, etc. are considered in modelling. (iv) To ensure that decision-maker can do “what-if” analysis to evaluate the different alternatives and promotions / packages offered by the air-lines at the last minute. (v) The combined module should be able to structure an “expert system” for optimisation of air-cargo loading problem. (vi) The underline objective of this methodology will be to have an approach that can be practically implemented and air-cargo loading practitioners should be able to use it. (vii) Methodology can be converted in the form of user-interfaced software. Problem formulation: Air-cargo loading problem can be briefly formed/stated in three steps as follows: (i) Selection of optimum number of containers from the available containers to minimise the cost, considering the different volumes, pivot weight capacities, pivot costs, extra weight or under weight penalty costs of available types of containers. The lower bound for the minimum freight cost can be calculated with consideration of primary constraints. (ii) Allocation of cargoes with same code number to a container with consideration of pivot weight and volume of container. (iii) Generation of optimized loading plan for each cargo box such that all the primary and secondary constraints are satisfied.


List of Research Outputs

Chan F.T.S., Au K.C.G. and Chan P.L.Y., A decision support system for production scheduling in an ion plating cell, International Journal of Expert Systems With Applications. 2006, 30(4): 727-738.
Chan F.T.S. and Chan H.K., A simulation study with quantity flexibility in a supply chain subjected to uncertainties, International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufaturing. 2006, 19(2): 148-160.
Chan F.T.S., Chan H.K., Chan M.H. and Humphreys P.K., An integrated fuzzy approach for the selection of manufacturing technologies, International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. 2006, 27(7/8): 747-758.
Chan F.T.S. and Swarnkar R., Ant colony optimisation approach to a fuzzy goal programming model for a machine tool selection and operation allocation problem in an FMS, International Journal of Robotics and Computer Integrated Manufacturing. 2006, 22(4): 353-362.
Chan F.T.S., Chung S.H. and Chan P.L.Y., Application of genetic algorithms with dominant genes in a distributed scheduling problem in flexible manufacturing systems, International Journal of Production Research. 2006, 44(3): 523-543.
Chan F.T.S., Best Industrial Planning and Workflow, A seminar "Improve Business Efficiency at a Fingertip” organised by IMAPInTech Consulting Limited and IBM, Sheraton Hotel, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 19 August 2005.. 2005.
Chan F.T.S., Wong T.C. and Chan P.L.Y., Flexible job-shop scheduling problem under resource constraints, International Journal of Production Research. 2006, 44(11): 2071-2089.
Chan F.T.S., Invited Co-Guest Editor, International Journal of Intelligent Systems Technologies and Applications for a special issue on “Advanced Evolutionary Computational Techniques for Design, Manufacturing, Logistics and Supply Chain Problems”. 2006.
Chan F.T.S., Invited Guest Editor-in-Chief, In: M. A. Dorgham, International Journal of Business Performance Management for a special issue on “Logistics and Supply Chain Performance Measurement”. Inderscience Enterprises Ltd., 2006.
Chan F.T.S., Chung S.H. and Choy K.L., Optimization of order fulfillment in distribution network problems, Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing. 2006, 17: 307-319.
Chan F.T.S., Lau K.W., Chan P.L.Y. and Choy K.L., Two-stage approach for machine-part grouping and cell layout problems, International Journal of Robotics and Computer Integrated Manufacturing. 2006, 22(3): 217-238.


Researcher : Chan HK

List of Research Outputs

Chan F.T.S. and Chan H.K., A simulation study with quantity flexibility in a supply chain subjected to uncertainties, International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufaturing. 2006, 19(2): 148-160.
Chan F.T.S., Chan H.K., Chan M.H. and Humphreys P.K., An integrated fuzzy approach for the selection of manufacturing technologies, International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. 2006, 27(7/8): 747-758.


Researcher : Chan KY

List of Research Outputs

Chan K.Y., Yiu C.K.F., Aydin M.E. and Fogarty T.C., A modified simulated annealing algorithm for solving uncapacitated facility location problems, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 8 pages.


Researcher : Chan LKY

List of Research Outputs

Lau H.Y.K. and Chan L.K.Y., Interactive visualization of express cargo handling with the imseCAVE, International Conference on Virtual Concept. Biarritz, France, 2005, VC2005108.


Researcher : Chan PLY

Project Title:Optimal strategy for inspection and maintenance for a system
Investigator(s):Chan PLY
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Small Project Funding
Start Date:11/2002
Abstract:
To propose optimal inspection and maintenance strategy for a system


Project Title:Statistical quality control of supply stations in a supply chain with incomplete data
Investigator(s):Chan PLY, Ching WK
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Small Project Funding
Start Date:11/2003
Abstract:
To use Hidden Markov Models to estimate the proportion of non-conforming parts products supplied by each supplier.


Project Title:Maintenance models involving multi-level inspection and maintenance tasks
Investigator(s):Chan PLY, Tsung F.G., Shi J.J.
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:12/2003
Abstract:
To construct maintenance models; to quantity signals from a statistical approach; to carry out alanysis of maintenance models; to optimize maintenance plans; to implenentate in industries in Hong Kong.


Project Title:Maintenance models involving multi-level inspection and maintenance tasks
Investigator(s):Chan PLY, Tsung F.G., Shi J.J.
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Merit Award for RGC CERG Funded Projects
Start Date:12/2003
Abstract:
N/A


Project Title:Statistical process control for high-yield processes
Investigator(s):Chan PLY
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Merit Award for RGC CERG Funded Projects
Start Date:01/2005
Abstract:
N/A


Project Title:Statistical process control for high-yield processes
Investigator(s):Chan PLY, Xie M., Tsung F.G.
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:01/2005
Abstract:
To devise statistical tools for determining the defect rate of high-yield processes and monitoring such processes.


Project Title:Condition-based Maintenance of systems
Investigator(s):Chan PLY
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Incentive Award for RGC CERG Fundable But Not Funded Projects
Start Date:07/2005
Completion Date:06/2006
Abstract:
N/A


List of Research Outputs

Chan F.T.S., Au K.C.G. and Chan P.L.Y., A decision support system for production scheduling in an ion plating cell, International Journal of Expert Systems With Applications. 2006, 30(4): 727-738.
Chan F.T.S., Chung S.H. and Chan P.L.Y., Application of genetic algorithms with dominant genes in a distributed scheduling problem in flexible manufacturing systems, International Journal of Production Research. 2006, 44(3): 523-543.
Chan F.T.S., Wong T.C. and Chan P.L.Y., Flexible job-shop scheduling problem under resource constraints, International Journal of Production Research. 2006, 44(11): 2071-2089.
Chan F.T.S., Lau K.W., Chan P.L.Y. and Choy K.L., Two-stage approach for machine-part grouping and cell layout problems, International Journal of Robotics and Computer Integrated Manufacturing. 2006, 22(3): 217-238.
Liao H., Elsayed E.A. and Chan P.L.Y., Maintenance of continuously monitored degrading systems, European Journal of Operational Research. 2005, 175(2): 821-835.
Tai A.H.L., Ching W.K. and Chan P.L.Y., Hidden Markov Model for the Detection of Machine Failure (in CD-ROM), Proceeding of the 36th International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering, Taiwan, June (2006) . 2006.


Researcher : Cheung HH

List of Research Outputs

Choi S.H. and Cheung H.H., A topological hierarchy-based approach to toolpath planning for multi-material layered manufacturing, Computer-Aided Design. 2005, 38: 145-156.


Researcher : Choi CY

List of Research Outputs

Lau H.Y.K. and Choi C.Y., Fatigue modeling for combined high frequency manual material handling tasks, Proceedings of the 36th International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering. Taiwan, 2006.
Lau H.Y.K., Woo S.O. and Choi C.Y., Manpower allocation and shift sheduling using human performance simulation, Proceedings of the 12th IFAC Symposium on Information Control and Problems in Manufacturing. France, 2006, 2: 181-186.
Lau H.Y.K. and Choi C.Y., Performance in frequent combined HMM based on a physiological indicator and perceived exertion, Proceedings of the 9th IFAC Symposium on Automated Systems based on Human Skill and Knowledge. Nancy, France, 2006.


Researcher : Choi SH

Project Title:Multi-material virtual prototyping
Investigator(s):Choi SH
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Small Project Funding
Start Date:11/2003
Completion Date:10/2005
Abstract:
To develop a computer system for digital fabrication of complex multi-material prototypes in a virtual reality environment.


Project Title:Toolpath planning for multi-material layered manufacturing
Investigator(s):Choi SH
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Small Project Funding
Start Date:11/2004
Completion Date:10/2006
Abstract:
To toolpath planning for multi-material layered manufacturing (MMLM) of heterogeneous prototypes.


Project Title:A multi-material virtual prototyping system for advanced product development and biomedical engineering
Investigator(s):Choi SH
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Incentive Award for RGC CERG Fundable But Not Funded Projects
Start Date:07/2005
Completion Date:06/2006
Abstract:
N/A


List of Research Outputs

Choi S.H. and Yang F., A filter search algorithm based on machine-order space for job-shop scheduling problems, Journal of Manufacture Technology Management. 2006, 17(3): 376-392.
Choi S.H. and Cheung H.H., A topological hierarchy-based approach to toolpath planning for multi-material layered manufacturing, Computer-Aided Design. 2005, 38: 145-156.
Choi S.H. and Yang F., Quick label-setting algorithms for solving the longest path problems of job-shop scheduling, Journal of Manufacture Technology Management. 2006, 16(8): 956-972.
Kang S. and Choi S.H., A knowledge-based online workflow scheudling system, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.


Researcher : Chu LK

Project Title:A framework for the quantitative management of procurement risks
Investigator(s):Chu LK
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Incentive Award for RGC CERG Fundable But Not Funded Projects
Start Date:07/2005
Completion Date:06/2006
Abstract:
N/A


List of Research Outputs

Chu L.K., Mak K.L., Yen B.P. and Xu Y., A Multistage Stochastic Inventory Model in the Presence of Commodity Futures Market, Seventeenth Annual Conference of Production and Operations Management Society, Boston, MA, USA. 2006.
Chu L.K., Mak K.L., Yen B.P.C. and Xu Y.H., An inventory replenishment planning model with the availability of online commodity markets for risk hedging, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 5 pages.
Chu L.K. and Li H.K.F., Design and analysis of intralogistics systems - a simulation approach, In: S.P. Yi, X.H. Chen and Y. Yang, The 12th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management. China, China Machine Press, 2005, 297-302.
Chu L.K. and Li H.K.F., Equipment sizing for just-in-time material distribution in manufacturing plants - a simulation approach, 5th International Conference on Material Handling. China, China Scientific and Technology Press, 2005, 141-146.
Wu F., Li H...Z..., Chu L.K., Sculli D. and Wu Y..., Improving the accuracy of execution data of ERP systems: A case study in the Zongxin Telecom Corporation, A.M. Tjoa, L. Xu, S.S. Chaudhry. New York, Springer, 2006, 325-339.
Wu F., Li H.Z., Chu L.K. and Sculli D., Supplier selection of outsourcing: a manufacturing knowledge protection perspective, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 8 pages.


Researcher : Chung SH

List of Research Outputs

Chan F.T.S., Chung S.H. and Chan P.L.Y., Application of genetic algorithms with dominant genes in a distributed scheduling problem in flexible manufacturing systems, International Journal of Production Research. 2006, 44(3): 523-543.
Chan F.T.S., Chung S.H. and Choy K.L., Optimization of order fulfillment in distribution network problems, Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing. 2006, 17: 307-319.


Researcher : Elsayed EA

List of Research Outputs

Liao H., Elsayed E.A. and Chan P.L.Y., Maintenance of continuously monitored degrading systems, European Journal of Operational Research. 2005, 175(2): 821-835.


Researcher : Fan CK

List of Research Outputs

Wong T.N., Leung C.W., Fang F., Fan C.K. and Tang H.P., Applications of multi-agent systems in manufacturing and supply chain managment, Proceedings of the International Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management. Bali, Indonesia, 2005, P-10 - P-17.


Researcher : Fang F

List of Research Outputs

Fang F. and Wong T.N., Applying particle swarm optimization in buyer seller negotiations, Proceedings of the 36th International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering. Taipei, Taiwan, 2006, 1262-1273.
Wong T.N. and Fang F., An agent-based framework for buyer-seller negotiations in supply chain management, Proceedings of the 36th International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering. Taipei, Taiwan, 2006, 4293-4307.
Wong T.N., Leung C.W., Fang F., Fan C.K. and Tang H.P., Applications of multi-agent systems in manufacturing and supply chain managment, Proceedings of the International Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management. Bali, Indonesia, 2005, P-10 - P-17.


Researcher : Hollier RH

List of Research Outputs

Hollier R.H., Mak K.L. and Yiu C.K.F., Optimal inventory control of lumpy demand items using (s, S) policies with a maximum issue quantity restriction and opportunistic replenishments, International Journal of Production Research. 2005, 43(23): 4929-4944.


Researcher : Huang GQ

Project Title:Analytical target cascading for optimal design of complex industrial systems
Investigator(s):Huang GQ
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Small Project Funding
Start Date:11/2004
Completion Date:10/2005
Abstract:
To design and develop a generic and extensible web portal (atcPortal) for Analytical Target Cascading (ATC) in a distributed computing environment.


Project Title:Intelligent decision models for optimizing polishing quality
Investigator(s):Huang GQ, Tam E., Lo VHY, Cheng KC
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Teaching Company Scheme
Start Date:06/2005
Abstract:
To establish a model for defining and specifying quality requirements of polishing processes. To investigate the relationship between the factors of polishing processes and the polishing quality levels through experimental design and knowledge discovery. To design and develop a model and an algorithm for optimizing polishing processes parameters in order to achieve the quality levels required by customers.


Project Title:Development and Integration of RFID Solutions into Advanced Planning and Execution Systems in Extended Manufacturing Enterprises
Investigator(s):Huang GQ, Chan PLY, Chen X, Representative R, Representative R
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Seed Funding Programme for Applied Research
Start Date:08/2005
Abstract:
Objectives of forthcoming ITF proposal induced from this Seed Fund The aim is to research and innovate a suite of completely new Manufacturing Planning and Execution solutions using the emerging RFID and latest web technologies fully compatible and integrated with Just In Time (JIT) manufacturing approach. For convenience, we use the term “smart kanbans” to name the solution. Research and development efforts will be focused on the following areas: (a) To study the manufacturing processes within supporting/collaborating companies to identify the opportunities and challenges for introducing RFID-based kanbans to maximize the manufacturing performance. A proof-of-the-concept demo will developed as a result. (b) To research and develop SECURE RFID tagged smart kanbans for relevant resources in manufacturing environments, including WIP (work in progress) boxes (kanban cards), personnel (staff cards), equipment (machine labels), and critical components/products (product labels). (c) To innovate multi-purpose integrated RFID reader module interacting with multiple antennas to suit different types of smart kanbans indicated in (b) above and manufacturing environments. (d) To innovate pragmatic “Savant” “plug and play”, scalable and reconfigurable middleware according to business logics in different manufacturing processes. (e) To design and develop information standards and interfaces for smart kanban solution and other enterprise business solutions (scheduling, etc) to allow real-time data collection and decision making. A by-product is whether EPC (Electronic Product Codes) is suitable for this kanban application. (f) To investigates methodologies for reconfiguring smart kanbans and RFID readers according to different manufacturing requirements. (g) To demonstrate the applications of smart kanban solution in various manufacturing processes within supporting/collaborating companies through pilots using what have been developed from (b) to (f). (h) To package a demo kit with all the relevant technologies deployed at a single work centre for broad dissemination of the deliverables of the project.


Project Title:Values of real-time information visibility in RFID-based supply chains
Investigator(s):Huang GQ
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Small Project Funding
Start Date:01/2006
Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND MOTIVATION It has been commonly accepted that the supply chain must be coordinated to share production information to optimise the performance of the entire supply chain and individual enterprises involved in the supply chain. However, previous research into supply chain dynamics and concurrent engineering has mainly concentrated on highlighting the importance of information sharing on individual basis without providing concrete guidelines on what information to share and how to share them. The applicant has recently led a major research into the impacts of sharing information on the supply chain dynamics. A number of research papers have been produced and published in some reputable journals such as International Journal of Production Research and IEEE Transactions on SMC. Major developments in Radio Frequency Identification (RFID or Auto-ID) technology have recently taken place in supply chain practices. RFID has provided new opportunities and new ways of sharing and showing information on a real-time basis. Such real-time information sharing and visibility also impose new challenges for supply chain decisions and operations. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this proposed research is to investigate the values of real-time information sharing and visibility on the supply chain dynamic performance within an advanced supply chain environment where enterprises and the supply chain are well equipped with the emerging RFID, with an intention to provide practical guidelines to the design and development of the supply chain and associated decision models. More specifically, the following objectives will be investigated: (1) To develop a supply chain dynamic performance measurement system which clarifies the variety of the supply chain structures, identifies the key dynamic performance indicators, key production information, main modes of sharing information, and appropriate performance models to link these factors. (2) To formulate decision models for the supply chain and its constituent enterprises under typical schemes of deploying the RFID devices (readers and tags). (3) To design and carry out a series of experimental simulations using the proposed decision models under various settings as determined by typical factors (e.g. sharing modes, level of visibility, etc). (4) To analyse the experimental results and draw implications on the design of RFID-based supply chain and associated decision support systems. KEY RESEARCH ISSUES Some of the major research questions that will be addressed in this project are selected and listed as follows: (1) How to deploy RFID devices including readers and tags in a typical supply chain consisting of upstream manufacturers, distribution centers / warehouses, relailer shops and consumers? (2) What information should be made visible and shareable through RFID? (3) How (to what extent) supply chain enterprises should share the information? (4) What are the major motives and barriers (concerns) for individual enterprises to take advantage of RFID to share production information in the supply chain? (5) How does real-time information and visbility affect the supply chain operations and decision makiong? (6) In what mode (way) should individual enterprises in the supply chain share real-time production information?


List of Research Outputs

Cadden T., Li W.L., Humphreys P. and Huang G.Q., The implications of supplier development on buyer-supplier performance, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 6 pages.
Huang G.Q., Co-Editor for Book Series on "Operations and Technology Management", In: Professor Thorsten Blecker; and Professor Fabrizio Salvador , Germany, Erich Schmidt Verlag, 2005.
Huang G.Q., Lau S.K., Mak K.L. and Liang L., Distributed supply-chain project rescheduling: part I - impacts of information-sharing strategies, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2005, 43(24): 5107-5129.
Huang G.Q., Lau S.K., Mak K.L. and Liang L., Distributed supply-chain project rescheduling: part II - distributed affected operations rescheduling algorithm, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2006, 44(1): 1-25.
Huang G.Q. and McFarlane D.U.N.C.A.N., Guest editor for special issue on "RFID-Based Wireless Manufacturing" (In progress and not completed), International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. Springer, 2005.
Huang G.Q., If RFID is the answer, what is the problem?, Exel and HKU 2005 seminar on Logistics 20/20. 2005.
Huang G.Q. and Li L., Interweaving genetic programming and genetic algorithm for structural and parametric optimization in adaptive platform product customization, Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing. Ireland, 2006, 2: 759-768.
Huang G.Q., Zhang X. and Lo V.H.Y., Optimal supply chain configuration for platform products: impacts of commonality, demand variability and quantity discount, International Journal of Mass Customization. 2005, 1(1): 107-133.
Huang G.Q., RFID manufacturing applications, invited lecture at HKSAR Professional Services Development Assistance Scheme "Capability Building Program of Manufacturing and Industrial Engineers on the Application of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) on Supply Chain Management". 2005.
Huang G.Q., Zhang X. and Liang L., Towards integrated optimal configuration of platform products, manufacturing processes, and supply chains, Journal of Operations Management. 2005, 23(3-4): 267-290.
Lau S.K., Huang G.Q., Mak K.L. and Liang L., An agent-based information model for distributed supply chain scheduling, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, Part A. 2006, 36(5): 847-861.
Lau S.K., Huang G.Q., Mak K.L. and Liang L., Distributed project scheduling with information sharing in supply chains: part I - an agent-based negotiation model, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2005, 43(22): 4813-4838.
Lau S.K., Huang G.Q., Mak K.L. and Liang L., Distributed project scheduling with information sharing in supply chains: part II - theoretical analysis and computational study, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2005, 43(23): 4899-4927.
Lo V.H.Y., Huang G.Q., Cheng K.C. and Tsang Y.M., Genetic fuzzy system for rough polishing of SS304 stainless steel, The 36th CIE Conference on Computer and Industrial Engineering. Taiwan, 2006, 1197-1208.
Zhang X. and Huang G.Q., Platform products development and supply chain configuration: an integrated perspective, In: Blecker and Friedrich, Mass Customization. Springer, 2006, 137-160.


Researcher : Kang S

List of Research Outputs

Kang S. and Choi S.H., A knowledge-based online workflow scheudling system, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.


Researcher : Ko WYA

List of Research Outputs

Ko W.Y.A., Lau T.L. and Lau H.Y.K., Emergency logistics: reconfigurable vehicles, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.
Ko W.Y.A., Lau H.Y.K. and Lau T.L., General suppression control framework: application in self-balancing robots , In: Jacob, C., Pilat, M., Bantley, P. and Timmis, J., Artificial Immune Systems, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Artificial Immune Systems. Springer, 2005, LNCS 3627: 375-388.
Ko W.Y.A., Lau H.Y.K. and Lau T.L., General suppression control framework: application in self-balancing robots, Artificial Immune Systems, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Artificial Immune Systems (ICARIS2005). Calgary, Canada, 2005, 375-388.
Lau H.Y.K., Wong W.K.V. and Ko W.Y.A., A bio-inspired multi-agent control framework, Proceedings of the 16th World Congress of International Federation of Automatic Control. Prague, 2005.


Researcher : Lai KK

List of Research Outputs

Mak K.L., Lai K.K., Ng W.C. and Yiu C.K.F., Analysis of optimal opportunistic replenishment policies for inventory systems by using a (s, S) model with a maximum issue quantity restriction, European Journal of Operational Research. 2005, 166(2): 385-405.


Researcher : Lau HYK

Project Title:Simulation system for the new Central Asia Hub
Investigator(s):Lau HYK
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:DHL Aviation (HK) Ltd.
Start Date:06/2004
Abstract:
To perform simulation study on the operation of the DHL Central Asia Hub at HKIA.


Project Title:Development of imseCAVE at the Research Center for Modern Logistics, Tsinghua University
Investigator(s):Lau HYK
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Tsinghua University, People Republic of China
Start Date:10/2004
Completion Date:09/2005
Abstract:
To develop an imseCAVE for the Research Center for Modern Logistics at Tsinghua University.


Project Title:A Joint scheduling algorithm for cooperative machines in automated material handling
Investigator(s):Lau HYK, Mak KL
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:01/2005
Completion Date:06/2006
Abstract:
In automated material handling, cargo and goods are being handled by mechanized and often computer-controlled equipment and machineries such as conveyors, stacker cranes, autonomous guided vehicles, automated storage and retrieval systems, and even robots. One of the primary aims of deploying these equipment for material handling is their superiorities in performance, reliability and predictability. Although individual equipment, such as a conveyor system, has usually been optimized for its standalone operation, system integrating different types of equipment to cooperate efficiently in a material handling complex such as a distribution centre or an air cargo terminal remains a challenging problem. In order to shed light on this problem of deploying cooperative machines, a number of key issues have to be addressed. Firstly, a framework for formally specifying the behaviour and characteristic of individual material handling equipment as well as describing their interactions in a mathematically and logically precise manner is needed. With these formal descriptions of automated material handling equipment and subsystems, a methodology is required to optimally allocate the available material handling resources to a set of pending tasks under a number of constraints or criteria. In the process of mapping the resources to these tasks, such a methodology is also required to schedule the execution of these tasks according to the constraints that are resulted from the requirement of machine cooperation. For example, in the loading of a unit load device (ULD) to an aircraft, a stacker crane is required to synchronize with a guide vehicle in the time and space domain in order to perform a successful loading operation. Moreover, to perform efficient loading of air cargo for the whole aircraft, an optimal sequence of operation is required to be scheduled for all the equipment involved over a finite time frame. Currently, a lot of researches have focused on the problem of single equipment scheduling, and often in an off-line manner. However, the operation of automated material handling equipment is reactive and the environment that they operate is dynamic. Adopting most tradition scheduling approaches often disregards the constraints as a result of machine cooperation that lead to un-realistic results such as low overall performance and even deadlocks or resource contentions. The proposed research therefore aims to extend the single equipment type scheduling approach by introducing a scheme to formally incorporate synchronization between two or more equipment types in performing a material handling operation. Using an existing formal framework based on the technology of object-orientation and formal mathematics developed by the investigators to specify the equipment concerned, the proposed joint-scheduling algorithm will provide a solution for matching the available material handling resources with the incoming tasks in a dynamic and online manner. A heuristic algorithm will be developed by extending the traditional maximum-matching of bipartite graph algorithm that caters for multi-machine and is capable of operating in real-time. In the proposed study, the developed algorithm will be verified and evaluated against several other scheduling algorithms including those based on heuristic approaches and genetic algorithms. It is expected that the investigations undertaken in this project will provide substantial background research in the field of intelligent automation, in particular, the study of cooperative machine scheduling, and produce important findings and track records for the application of a CERG grant in 18 months time.


Project Title:HIT Terminal traffic simulation and GMTS user interface revamp
Investigator(s):Lau HYK
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:HongKong International Terminals, HIT
Start Date:07/2005
Abstract:
To develop a simulation model to represent the quay side operation and to develop the GMTS user interface.


Project Title:An Artificial Immune System-based Distributed Control Framework
Investigator(s):Lau HYK
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Incentive Award for RGC CERG Fundable But Not Funded Projects
Start Date:07/2005
Completion Date:06/2006
Abstract:
N/A


Project Title:Asia Airfreight Terminal 1 and 2 Visualization System
Investigator(s):Lau HYK
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Asia Airfreight Terminals Company Ltd.
Start Date:07/2005
Abstract:
To develop a virtual reality based visualization system for AAT.


Project Title:A Generalized Change Detection Framework
Investigator(s):Lau HYK
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Small Project Funding
Start Date:09/2005
Abstract:
In essence, an intelligent change detection framework is capable of adapting itself to changing functional requirements and environmental conditions, and be able to identify and characterize changes with reference to some defined situations. Such a framework would form the core of automated systems that require the detection of changes over a finite time frame. Systems such as real-time tracking systems for automated material handling, cargo terminals, warehouses, airports; security monitoring systems for intruder detection, car park security control; transportation system for monitoring traffic flow control and accident alert; and health care systems for monitoring of patients or individual required close attention. Current research and development in monitoring and change detection methodologies are mostly based on a centralized architecture where the entire system is self-contained and tightly integrated. Despite its benefit of simplicity and manageability, such a configuration with a single threaded algorithm that executes on a computation node is inflexible and lack of scalability. Moreover, with dependency of a single computation node, the performance is limited by the resources of the computation node. What is worse is that, such a scheme is vulnerable to system failures as there is no back up resources designed for fault tolerance. These limitations of most conventional approaches therefore motivate the development of a decentralized change detection framework that provides improved adaptability to different configurations, scalability as requirement expands, and fault tolerance as the framework incorporates backup computation resources. More specifically, the proposed research aims to develop the algorithms that form the basis of the generalized change detection framework that is based on the general suppression control framework (GSCF) that has been researched by the investigator [ ]. GSCF was originally conceptualized for the control of modular self-reconfigurable robots (MSR), and its development was inspired from the biological immune system. The key objective of this project is to generalize the GSCF through the (1) formalization of the action stimulation and suppression mechanisms that are incorporated in GSCF, and (2) investigation in the context of generic change detection. A detailed simulation study is to be conducted based on a multi-computation node configuration and the results then facilitate the development of a prototyped change detection system with a number of distributed sensors and computation elements.


Project Title:VR presentation for CAH expansion
Investigator(s):Lau HYK
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:DHL Aviation (HK) Ltd.
Start Date:10/2005
Abstract:
To develop a virtual reality-based visualization system for DHL Central Asia SuperHub.


Project Title:Procurement and creation of simulation models for Hactl
Investigator(s):Lau HYK
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminal Ltd.
Start Date:05/2006
Abstract:
To develop a simulation model for Hactl and perform simulation study.


List of Research Outputs

Ko W.Y.A., Lau T.L. and Lau H.Y.K., Emergency logistics: reconfigurable vehicles, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.
Ko W.Y.A., Lau H.Y.K. and Lau T.L., General suppression control framework: application in self-balancing robots , In: Jacob, C., Pilat, M., Bantley, P. and Timmis, J., Artificial Immune Systems, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Artificial Immune Systems. Springer, 2005, LNCS 3627: 375-388.
Ko W.Y.A., Lau H.Y.K. and Lau T.L., General suppression control framework: application in self-balancing robots, Artificial Immune Systems, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Artificial Immune Systems (ICARIS2005). Calgary, Canada, 2005, 375-388.
Lau H.Y.K., Wong W.K.V. and Ko W.Y.A., A bio-inspired multi-agent control framework, Proceedings of the 16th World Congress of International Federation of Automatic Control. Prague, 2005.
Lau H.Y.K. and Wong Y.C.E., An AIS-based dynamic routing (AISDR) framework , Artificial Immune Systems, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Artificial Immune Systems (ICARIS 2005). 2005, 56-71.
Lau H.Y.K. and Wong W.K.V., An immunity-based distributed multi-agent control framework, IEEE Transactions on System, Man and Cybernetics - Part A. 2006, 36(1): 91-108.
Lau H.Y.K. and Choi C.Y., Fatigue modeling for combined high frequency manual material handling tasks, Proceedings of the 36th International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering. Taiwan, 2006.
Lau H.Y.K. and Ng K.S., Immunology-based motion control for modular hyper-redundant manipulators, Proceedings of the 16th World Congress of International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC2005). Prague, 2005.
Lau H.Y.K., Zhao Y. and Pan C., Integrated scheduling of different types of handling equipment at automated cargo terminals, Proceedings of the 2nd Multidisciplinary International Conference on Scheduling: Theory & Applications. New York, 2005, AUR16.
Lau H.Y.K. and Chan L.K.Y., Interactive visualization of express cargo handling with the imseCAVE, International Conference on Virtual Concept. Biarritz, France, 2005, VC2005108.
Lau H.Y.K. and Zhao Y., Joint scheduling of handling equipment in automated air cargo terminals, Computers in Industry. 2006, 57(5): 398-411.
Lau H.Y.K., Woo S.O. and Choi C.Y., Manpower allocation and shift sheduling using human performance simulation, Proceedings of the 12th IFAC Symposium on Information Control and Problems in Manufacturing. France, 2006, 2: 181-186.
Lau H.Y.K. and Choi C.Y., Performance in frequent combined HMM based on a physiological indicator and perceived exertion, Proceedings of the 9th IFAC Symposium on Automated Systems based on Human Skill and Knowledge. Nancy, France, 2006.
Mak K.L., Peng P. and Lau H.Y.K., A real-time computer vision system for detecting defects in textile fabrics, Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology. Hong Kong, 2005.
Mak K.L., Peng P. and Lau H.Y.K., Optimal morphological filter design for fabric defect detection, Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology. Hong Kong, 2005.
Wong W.K.V. and Lau H.Y.K., An immunity-based cooperative model for automated transportation systems, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.
Wong Y.C.E., Lau H.Y.K., Mak K.L. and Chong J.S.C., Decentralized AIS-based dynamic routing regulation, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.
Wong Y.C.E., Lau H.Y.K. and Mak K.L., Regulated AIS-based dynamic shipment routing, Proceedings of the International Symposium on Bio-inspired Computing. Malaysia, 2005, 32.
Wong Y.C.E., Lau H.Y.K. and Mak K.L., The development of AIS paradigm in dynamic routing, Proceedings of the International Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management. Bali, 2005.
Zhao Y. and Lau H.Y.K., An integrated scheduling method for handling equipment at automated container terminals, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 8 pages.


Researcher : Lau KW

List of Research Outputs

Chan F.T.S., Lau K.W., Chan P.L.Y. and Choy K.L., Two-stage approach for machine-part grouping and cell layout problems, International Journal of Robotics and Computer Integrated Manufacturing. 2006, 22(3): 217-238.


Researcher : Lau SK

List of Research Outputs

Huang G.Q., Lau S.K., Mak K.L. and Liang L., Distributed supply-chain project rescheduling: part I - impacts of information-sharing strategies, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2005, 43(24): 5107-5129.
Huang G.Q., Lau S.K., Mak K.L. and Liang L., Distributed supply-chain project rescheduling: part II - distributed affected operations rescheduling algorithm, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2006, 44(1): 1-25.
Lau S.K., Huang G.Q., Mak K.L. and Liang L., An agent-based information model for distributed supply chain scheduling, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, Part A. 2006, 36(5): 847-861.
Lau S.K., Huang G.Q., Mak K.L. and Liang L., Distributed project scheduling with information sharing in supply chains: part I - an agent-based negotiation model, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2005, 43(22): 4813-4838.
Lau S.K., Huang G.Q., Mak K.L. and Liang L., Distributed project scheduling with information sharing in supply chains: part II - theoretical analysis and computational study, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2005, 43(23): 4899-4927.


Researcher : Lau SK

List of Research Outputs

Huang G.Q., Lau S.K., Mak K.L. and Liang L., Distributed supply-chain project rescheduling: part I - impacts of information-sharing strategies, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2005, 43(24): 5107-5129.
Huang G.Q., Lau S.K., Mak K.L. and Liang L., Distributed supply-chain project rescheduling: part II - distributed affected operations rescheduling algorithm, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2006, 44(1): 1-25.
Lau S.K., Huang G.Q., Mak K.L. and Liang L., An agent-based information model for distributed supply chain scheduling, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, Part A. 2006, 36(5): 847-861.
Lau S.K., Huang G.Q., Mak K.L. and Liang L., Distributed project scheduling with information sharing in supply chains: part I - an agent-based negotiation model, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2005, 43(22): 4813-4838.
Lau S.K., Huang G.Q., Mak K.L. and Liang L., Distributed project scheduling with information sharing in supply chains: part II - theoretical analysis and computational study, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2005, 43(23): 4899-4927.


Researcher : Lau TL

Project Title:Establishment of the Hong Kong centre for robot competition
Investigator(s):Lau TL
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:The University of Hong Kong Foundation Seed Grant
Start Date:04/2002
Abstract:
To establish centre in Hong Kong for robot competition.


List of Research Outputs

Ko W.Y.A., Lau T.L. and Lau H.Y.K., Emergency logistics: reconfigurable vehicles, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.
Ko W.Y.A., Lau H.Y.K. and Lau T.L., General suppression control framework: application in self-balancing robots , In: Jacob, C., Pilat, M., Bantley, P. and Timmis, J., Artificial Immune Systems, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Artificial Immune Systems. Springer, 2005, LNCS 3627: 375-388.
Ko W.Y.A., Lau H.Y.K. and Lau T.L., General suppression control framework: application in self-balancing robots, Artificial Immune Systems, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Artificial Immune Systems (ICARIS2005). Calgary, Canada, 2005, 375-388.
Zeng Y. and Lau T.L., The application of RFID in healthcare environment: a case study in an elderly center, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.


Researcher : Leung CW

List of Research Outputs

Leung C.W., Wong T.N., Mak K.L. and Fung R.Y.K., Integrated process planning and scheduling by an agent-based ant colony system, Proceedings of the 36th International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering. Taipei, Taiwan, 2006, 587-596.
Wong T.N., Leung C.W., Mak K.L. and Fung R.Y.K., An agent-based negotiation approach to integrate process planning and scheduling, International Journal of Production Research. 2006, 44(7): 1331-1351.
Wong T.N., Leung C.W., Fang F., Fan C.K. and Tang H.P., Applications of multi-agent systems in manufacturing and supply chain managment, Proceedings of the International Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management. Bali, Indonesia, 2005, P-10 - P-17.
Wong T.N., Leung C.W., Mak K.L. and Fung R.Y.K., Dynamic shopfloor scheduling in multi-agent manufacturing systems, Expert Systems with Applications. 2006, 31(3): 486-494.
Wong T.N., Leung C.W., Mak K.L. and Fung R.Y.K., Integrated process planning and scheduling an agent-based approach, Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Production Research. Italy, 2005, 6 pages.


Researcher : Li L

List of Research Outputs

Huang G.Q. and Li L., Interweaving genetic programming and genetic algorithm for structural and parametric optimization in adaptive platform product customization, Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing. Ireland, 2006, 2: 759-768.


Researcher : Li W

List of Research Outputs

Mak K.L. and Li W., Prized-suppressed Fuzzy Kohonen Clustering Network for solving large-scale multi-facility location problems, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.


Researcher : Liao H

List of Research Outputs

Liao H., Elsayed E.A. and Chan P.L.Y., Maintenance of continuously monitored degrading systems, European Journal of Operational Research. 2005, 175(2): 821-835.


Researcher : Lo VHY

Project Title:CEPA smart eco-designTM programme for manufacturing and industrial engineers - enhancement of knowledge of design professionals on eco-design of electronic/engineering products
Investigator(s):Lo VHY, Ching E.M.K.
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Professional Services Development Assistance Scheme
Start Date:12/2004
Abstract:
To raise awareness of product design professionals in the manufacturing industry on the challenges, legislative and customer pressures for product eco-design and 'end of life' management; To enhance understanding of the rational and application of eco-design in the manufacturing industry; the values and benefits of eco-design skill enhancement to professional career development; To establish a competence enhancement tool through the localization of an internationally successful Smart eco-Design TM programme; To provide a platform for product design professionals in the manufacturing industry to acquire knowledge and skills on product eco-design and 'end of life' management through train-the-trainer sessions.


Project Title:Web-Based decision support system for polishing process optimization
Investigator(s):Lo VHY, Huang GQ
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Small Project Funding
Start Date:01/2006
Abstract:
BACKGROUND Polishing adds considerable value to many products manufactured in Hong Kong. At present the determination of polishing quality standards is often a subjective process which does not optimize the relationship between quality, value added, and production costs. This often results in products of inferior quality, and a failure to exploit new materials, products and equipment. OBJECTIVES The aim of this project is to develop a systematic Decision Support System for the polishing industry through innovative uses of polishing technologies and scientific decision-making. The project has four specific objectives: 1. To establish a data mining methodology for analyzing polishing data (both lab experimental and field data) to extract polishing knowledge and rules. 2. To research and establish a decision model for polishing process optimization using the polishing rules and data. 3. To design and develop a web-based decision support system that incorporates the data mining and process optimization models developed in the first two objectives. 4. To test, verify and adjust the model and system. RESEARCH ISSUES Key research issues / questions related to the first 3 objectives are listed as follows. Key research issues of designing the data mining algorithm includes: • How to effectively represent a fuzzy rule including fuzzy variables and their membership functions by a chromosome in evolutionary algorithm? • How to improve the efficiency of the data mining process on a large set of polishing data? • How to design effective genetic operators, like crossover and mutation, to search good rules? • How to measure the usefulness and accuracy of the rule which consists of multiple consequences? The following are the key research issues in designing the process optimization algorithm: • How to handle multiple objectives? • How to represent the multi-stage characteristic of the polishing process? • How to represent and operate on fuzzy decision variables? • How to evaluate a fuzzy rule? Research issues related to the design and development of web-based systems include: • The system must serve multiple user groups, including polishing technology providers and consumers, polishing data providers, process analysts, etc. • The user interfaces of the system client components should reflect the good practices? • The system would be based on web service standards for scalability.


List of Research Outputs

Huang G.Q., Zhang X. and Lo V.H.Y., Optimal supply chain configuration for platform products: impacts of commonality, demand variability and quantity discount, International Journal of Mass Customization. 2005, 1(1): 107-133.
Lo V.H.Y., Huang G.Q., Cheng K.C. and Tsang Y.M., Genetic fuzzy system for rough polishing of SS304 stainless steel, The 36th CIE Conference on Computer and Industrial Engineering. Taiwan, 2006, 1197-1208.
Lo V.H.Y. and Leung H.K., Integrating risk management and knowledge management in enhancing health service quality, Electronic Proceedings of the 2nd Chinese Quality Forum. Beijing, China, 2005, 8 pages.
Lo V.H.Y. and Yeung H.W.A., Managing quality effectively in supply chain: a preliminary study, Supply Chain Management, An International Journal. 2006, 11(3): 208-215.
Lo V.H.Y., Sculli D. and Yeung H.W.A., Supplier quality management in the Pearl River Delta, International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management. 2006, 23(5): 513-530.
Yang Y., Humphreys P., Mclvor R. and Lo V.H.Y., The impact of logistics service on business performance, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.


Researcher : Mak KL

Project Title:Automated defect detection for textile materials
Investigator(s):Mak KL, Leung CH, Lau HYK, Siu T.Y.Y., Tsoi A.C.
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:12/2002
Abstract:
The project aims to produce a prototype automated visual inspection system to detect fabric defects. Advanced image processing techniques will be adopted, including segmentation, image representation and learning techniques, i.e. artificial intelligence, e.g. neural networks for texture analysis which would effectively detect a variety of defects in textile fabrics.


List of Research Outputs

Chu L.K., Mak K.L., Yen B.P. and Xu Y., A Multistage Stochastic Inventory Model in the Presence of Commodity Futures Market, Seventeenth Annual Conference of Production and Operations Management Society, Boston, MA, USA. 2006.
Chu L.K., Mak K.L., Yen B.P.C. and Xu Y.H., An inventory replenishment planning model with the availability of online commodity markets for risk hedging, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 5 pages.
Hollier R.H., Mak K.L. and Yiu C.K.F., Optimal inventory control of lumpy demand items using (s, S) policies with a maximum issue quantity restriction and opportunistic replenishments, International Journal of Production Research. 2005, 43(23): 4929-4944.
Huang G.Q., Lau S.K., Mak K.L. and Liang L., Distributed supply-chain project rescheduling: part I - impacts of information-sharing strategies, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2005, 43(24): 5107-5129.
Huang G.Q., Lau S.K., Mak K.L. and Liang L., Distributed supply-chain project rescheduling: part II - distributed affected operations rescheduling algorithm, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2006, 44(1): 1-25.
Lau S.K., Huang G.Q., Mak K.L. and Liang L., An agent-based information model for distributed supply chain scheduling, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, Part A. 2006, 36(5): 847-861.
Lau S.K., Huang G.Q., Mak K.L. and Liang L., Distributed project scheduling with information sharing in supply chains: part I - an agent-based negotiation model, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2005, 43(22): 4813-4838.
Lau S.K., Huang G.Q., Mak K.L. and Liang L., Distributed project scheduling with information sharing in supply chains: part II - theoretical analysis and computational study, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2005, 43(23): 4899-4927.
Leung C.W., Wong T.N., Mak K.L. and Fung R.Y.K., Integrated process planning and scheduling by an agent-based ant colony system, Proceedings of the 36th International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering. Taipei, Taiwan, 2006, 587-596.
Mak K.L., Peng J.G., Xu Z.B. and Yiu C.K.F., A novel neural network for associative memory via dynamical systems, Discrete and Continuous Dynamical Systems-Series B. 2006, 6(3): 573-590.
Mak K.L., Peng P. and Lau H.Y.K., A real-time computer vision system for detecting defects in textile fabrics, Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology. Hong Kong, 2005.
Mak K.L., Lai K.K., Ng W.C. and Yiu C.K.F., Analysis of optimal opportunistic replenishment policies for inventory systems by using a (s, S) model with a maximum issue quantity restriction, European Journal of Operational Research. 2005, 166(2): 385-405.
Mak K.L. and Peng P., Defect detection in textile fabrics using Gabor Wavelet Networks, Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Computer Applications in Industry and Engineering. Hawaii, USA, 2005.
Mak K.L. and Yang D., Forecasting Hong Kong's container throughput movement direction with support vector machines, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.
Mak K.L., Peng P. and Lau H.Y.K., Optimal morphological filter design for fabric defect detection, Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology. Hong Kong, 2005.
Mak K.L. and Li W., Prized-suppressed Fuzzy Kohonen Clustering Network for solving large-scale multi-facility location problems, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.
Ng W.C. and Mak K.L., An effective heuristic for scheduling a yard crane to handle jobs with ready times, In: Andrew Templeman, Engineering Optimization. Taylor & Francis, 2005, 37: 867-877.
Peng P., Su W. and Mak K.L., Optimization of material flows in virtual cellular manufacturing systems, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.
Peng P., Su W. and Mak K.L., Scheduling container transfers using an ant colony optimization approach, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 6 pages.
Wong T.N., Leung C.W., Mak K.L. and Fung R.Y.K., An agent-based negotiation approach to integrate process planning and scheduling, International Journal of Production Research. 2006, 44(7): 1331-1351.
Wong T.N., Leung C.W., Mak K.L. and Fung R.Y.K., Dynamic shopfloor scheduling in multi-agent manufacturing systems, Expert Systems with Applications. 2006, 31(3): 486-494.
Wong T.N., Leung C.W., Mak K.L. and Fung R.Y.K., Integrated process planning and scheduling an agent-based approach, Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Production Research. Italy, 2005, 6 pages.
Wong Y.C.E., Lau H.Y.K., Mak K.L. and Chong J.S.C., Decentralized AIS-based dynamic routing regulation, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.
Wong Y.C.E., Lau H.Y.K. and Mak K.L., Regulated AIS-based dynamic shipment routing, Proceedings of the International Symposium on Bio-inspired Computing. Malaysia, 2005, 32.
Wong Y.C.E., Lau H.Y.K. and Mak K.L., The development of AIS paradigm in dynamic routing, Proceedings of the International Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management. Bali, 2005.
Yiu C.K.F., Mak K.L. and Teo K.L., Airfoil design via optimal control theory, Journal of Industrial and Management Optimization. 2005, 1(1): 133-148.


Researcher : Ng KS

List of Research Outputs

Lau H.Y.K. and Ng K.S., Immunology-based motion control for modular hyper-redundant manipulators, Proceedings of the 16th World Congress of International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC2005). Prague, 2005.


Researcher : Ng WC

Project Title:Efficient algorithms for deploying and dispatching trucks in port container terminals
Investigator(s):Ng WC, Mak KL
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:12/2002
Completion Date:11/2005
Abstract:
The globalization f trade has significantly increased the importance of global logistics and transportation, and in particular the marine container shipping. The main objective of this study is to develop effective algorithms for solving the truck deployment and dispatching problem by considering its unique characteristics. The focus is on understanding the underlying structure of optimal solutions and using it for the development of practical and effective algorithms.


Project Title:Designing effective algorithms for deploying and scheduling container yard cranes
Investigator(s):Ng WC
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Merit Award for RGC CERG Funded Projects
Start Date:01/2005
Abstract:
N/A


Project Title:Designing effective algorithms for deploying and scheduling container yard cranes
Investigator(s):Ng WC, Mak KL
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:01/2005
Abstract:
To build models for yard crane deployment and scheduling problem in port container terminals; to understand the structure of optimal solutions and thereby develop effective algorithms for solving the problem; to compare the schedules determined by the proposed algorithms with the schedules found by the most common scheduling rule used in container terminals; to study implementation issues of the new algorithms in container terminal decision support systems.


Project Title:A simulation model for planning the capacity of Hong Kongs container terminals
Investigator(s):Ng WC
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Incentive Award for RGC CERG Fundable But Not Funded Projects
Start Date:07/2005
Completion Date:06/2006
Abstract:
N/A


List of Research Outputs

Bish E.K., Chen F.Y., Leong Y.T., Nelson B.L., Ng W.C. and Simchi-Levi D., Dispatching vehicles in a mega container terminal, OR Spectrum. 2005, 27: 491-506.
Mak K.L., Lai K.K., Ng W.C. and Yiu C.K.F., Analysis of optimal opportunistic replenishment policies for inventory systems by using a (s, S) model with a maximum issue quantity restriction, European Journal of Operational Research. 2005, 166(2): 385-405.
Ng W.C. and Mak K.L., An effective heuristic for scheduling a yard crane to handle jobs with ready times, In: Andrew Templeman, Engineering Optimization. Taylor & Francis, 2005, 37: 867-877.
Ng W.C., Crane scheduling in container yards with inter-crane interference, European Journal of Operational Research. 2005, 164: 64-78.
Ng W.C. and Wong C.S., Evaluating the impact of vessel-traffic interference on container terminal capacity, In: Vijay Panchang, Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering. USA, American Society of Civil Engineers, 2006, 132: 76-82.
Ng W.C. and Tsang W.S., Scheduling yard crane by genetic algorithms, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.


Researcher : Peng P

List of Research Outputs

Mak K.L., Peng P. and Lau H.Y.K., A real-time computer vision system for detecting defects in textile fabrics, Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology. Hong Kong, 2005.
Mak K.L. and Peng P., Defect detection in textile fabrics using Gabor Wavelet Networks, Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Computer Applications in Industry and Engineering. Hawaii, USA, 2005.
Mak K.L., Peng P. and Lau H.Y.K., Optimal morphological filter design for fabric defect detection, Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology. Hong Kong, 2005.
Peng P., Su W. and Mak K.L., Optimization of material flows in virtual cellular manufacturing systems, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.
Peng P., Su W. and Mak K.L., Scheduling container transfers using an ant colony optimization approach, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 6 pages.


Researcher : Sculli D

Project Title:Inter-organizational information systems and their implications for supply chain management
Investigator(s):Sculli D, Humphreys PK, Lai MK
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:01/1996
Abstract:
To develop a framework to research the role of inter-organizational information systems (IOIS) within supply chain management; to investigate the application of IOIS in a supply chain under a governance structure influenced by Chinese culture.


Project Title:Repeat purchases and service quality
Investigator(s):Sculli D, So M.W.C.
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Other Funding Scheme
Start Date:01/2001
Abstract:
To develop a quality measurement scale which is more accurate in predicting customer behaviour in repeated purchases in a Hong Kong context.


List of Research Outputs

Lo V.H.Y., Sculli D. and Yeung H.W.A., Supplier quality management in the Pearl River Delta, International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management. 2006, 23(5): 513-530.
Wu F., Li H...Z..., Chu L.K., Sculli D. and Wu Y..., Improving the accuracy of execution data of ERP systems: A case study in the Zongxin Telecom Corporation, A.M. Tjoa, L. Xu, S.S. Chaudhry. New York, Springer, 2006, 325-339.
Wu F., Li H.Z., Chu L.K. and Sculli D., Supplier selection of outsourcing: a manufacturing knowledge protection perspective, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 8 pages.


Researcher : Su W

List of Research Outputs

Peng P., Su W. and Mak K.L., Optimization of material flows in virtual cellular manufacturing systems, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.
Peng P., Su W. and Mak K.L., Scheduling container transfers using an ant colony optimization approach, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 6 pages.


Researcher : Tang HP

List of Research Outputs

Wong T.N., Leung C.W., Fang F., Fan C.K. and Tang H.P., Applications of multi-agent systems in manufacturing and supply chain managment, Proceedings of the International Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management. Bali, Indonesia, 2005, P-10 - P-17.


Researcher : Tsang WS

List of Research Outputs

Ng W.C. and Tsang W.S., Scheduling yard crane by genetic algorithms, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.


Researcher : Tsang YM

List of Research Outputs

Lo V.H.Y., Huang G.Q., Cheng K.C. and Tsang Y.M., Genetic fuzzy system for rough polishing of SS304 stainless steel, The 36th CIE Conference on Computer and Industrial Engineering. Taiwan, 2006, 1197-1208.


Researcher : Wong ACY

Project Title:Modification of the physical, rheological and processing characteristics of polycarbonate (PC) by the addition of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)
Investigator(s):Wong ACY
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Low Budget High Impact Programme
Start Date:11/2001
Abstract:
To conduct a series of experimental investigations on PC/ABS blends of different blend ratios so as to reveal the blending effects on the rheological properties, processability, and physical properties of the selected polymeric system.


Project Title:Effects of addition of general purpose polypropylene on the rheological and thermal characteristics of polypropylene fibres
Investigator(s):Wong ACY
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Small Project Funding
Start Date:11/2002
Abstract:
To reveal the absolute and relative signature of the selected properties of the PP fibres containing a controlled proportion of GPPP. It is belived that the results obtained from the proposed research will not only provide insights of practical significance into the polymeric fibre and their compounding systems.


Project Title:Experimental study of mixing mechanism and mixing quality of polymers during extrusion processes
Investigator(s):Wong ACY
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:12/2002
Abstract:
Single-screw extrusion is an important processing technology in the plastics industry. This project investigates the dynamic mixing mechanism of polymers using the visualization technique, and to quantify the polymer mixing quality during processing via an image analysis technique which is also based on the visualization technique.


List of Research Outputs



Researcher : Wong TC

List of Research Outputs

Chan F.T.S., Wong T.C. and Chan P.L.Y., Flexible job-shop scheduling problem under resource constraints, International Journal of Production Research. 2006, 44(11): 2071-2089.


Researcher : Wong TN

Project Title:Design and implementation of negotiation protocols for multi-agents to integrate manufacturing process planning and scheduling
Investigator(s):Wong TN, Mak KL, Fung R.Y.K.
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:09/2003
Abstract:
To develop a hybrid-based multi-agent system framework for intelligent manufacturing; to establish negotiation protocols to support dynamic process planning and scheduling; to evaluate the system performance of the proposed multi-agent system.


Project Title:Design and implementation of negotiation protocols for multi-agents to integrate manufacturing process planning and scheduling
Investigator(s):Wong TN, Mak KL, Fung R.Y.K.
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Merit Award for RGC CERG Funded Projects
Start Date:09/2003
Abstract:
N/A


List of Research Outputs

Fang F. and Wong T.N., Applying particle swarm optimization in buyer seller negotiations, Proceedings of the 36th International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering. Taipei, Taiwan, 2006, 1262-1273.
Leung C.W., Wong T.N., Mak K.L. and Fung R.Y.K., Integrated process planning and scheduling by an agent-based ant colony system, Proceedings of the 36th International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering. Taipei, Taiwan, 2006, 587-596.
Wong T.N. and Fang F., An agent-based framework for buyer-seller negotiations in supply chain management, Proceedings of the 36th International Conference on Computers and Industrial Engineering. Taipei, Taiwan, 2006, 4293-4307.
Wong T.N., Leung C.W., Mak K.L. and Fung R.Y.K., An agent-based negotiation approach to integrate process planning and scheduling, International Journal of Production Research. 2006, 44(7): 1331-1351.
Wong T.N., Leung C.W., Fang F., Fan C.K. and Tang H.P., Applications of multi-agent systems in manufacturing and supply chain managment, Proceedings of the International Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management. Bali, Indonesia, 2005, P-10 - P-17.
Wong T.N., Leung C.W., Mak K.L. and Fung R.Y.K., Dynamic shopfloor scheduling in multi-agent manufacturing systems, Expert Systems with Applications. 2006, 31(3): 486-494.
Wong T.N., Leung C.W., Mak K.L. and Fung R.Y.K., Integrated process planning and scheduling an agent-based approach, Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Production Research. Italy, 2005, 6 pages.


Researcher : Wong WKV

List of Research Outputs

Lau H.Y.K., Wong W.K.V. and Ko W.Y.A., A bio-inspired multi-agent control framework, Proceedings of the 16th World Congress of International Federation of Automatic Control. Prague, 2005.
Lau H.Y.K. and Wong W.K.V., An immunity-based distributed multi-agent control framework, IEEE Transactions on System, Man and Cybernetics - Part A. 2006, 36(1): 91-108.
Wong W.K.V. and Lau H.Y.K., An immunity-based cooperative model for automated transportation systems, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.


Researcher : Wong YCE

List of Research Outputs

Lau H.Y.K. and Wong Y.C.E., An AIS-based dynamic routing (AISDR) framework , Artificial Immune Systems, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Artificial Immune Systems (ICARIS 2005). 2005, 56-71.
Wong Y.C.E., Lau H.Y.K., Mak K.L. and Chong J.S.C., Decentralized AIS-based dynamic routing regulation, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.
Wong Y.C.E., Lau H.Y.K. and Mak K.L., Regulated AIS-based dynamic shipment routing, Proceedings of the International Symposium on Bio-inspired Computing. Malaysia, 2005, 32.
Wong Y.C.E., Lau H.Y.K. and Mak K.L., The development of AIS paradigm in dynamic routing, Proceedings of the International Conference on Operations and Supply Chain Management. Bali, 2005.


Researcher : Woo SO

List of Research Outputs

Lau H.Y.K., Woo S.O. and Choi C.Y., Manpower allocation and shift sheduling using human performance simulation, Proceedings of the 12th IFAC Symposium on Information Control and Problems in Manufacturing. France, 2006, 2: 181-186.


Researcher : Xu Y

List of Research Outputs

Chu L.K., Mak K.L., Yen B.P. and Xu Y., A Multistage Stochastic Inventory Model in the Presence of Commodity Futures Market, Seventeenth Annual Conference of Production and Operations Management Society, Boston, MA, USA. 2006.


Researcher : Yang D

List of Research Outputs

Mak K.L. and Yang D., Forecasting Hong Kong's container throughput movement direction with support vector machines, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.


Researcher : Yang F

List of Research Outputs

Choi S.H. and Yang F., A filter search algorithm based on machine-order space for job-shop scheduling problems, Journal of Manufacture Technology Management. 2006, 17(3): 376-392.
Choi S.H. and Yang F., Quick label-setting algorithms for solving the longest path problems of job-shop scheduling, Journal of Manufacture Technology Management. 2006, 16(8): 956-972.


Researcher : Yeung HWA

List of Research Outputs

Lo V.H.Y. and Yeung H.W.A., Managing quality effectively in supply chain: a preliminary study, Supply Chain Management, An International Journal. 2006, 11(3): 208-215.
Lo V.H.Y., Sculli D. and Yeung H.W.A., Supplier quality management in the Pearl River Delta, International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management. 2006, 23(5): 513-530.


Researcher : Yiu CKF

Project Title:Modelling the supply chains via optimization theory
Investigator(s):Yiu CKF, Mak KL
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:02/2004
Completion Date:01/2006
Abstract:
To study these problems and to develop new optimization methodologies.


Project Title:Voice control with speaker localization in noisy environments via robust echo cancellation and microphone arrays
Investigator(s):Yiu CKF, Lau HYK, Mak KL, Chau E., Yuen W.W.
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Matching Grant for Joint Research
Start Date:10/2004
Completion Date:11/2006
Abstract:
To tackle the undesirable acoustic effects in a room condition in order to enhance speech recognition accuracy for interactive voice control products.


Project Title:Terrestrial Localization
Investigator(s):Yiu CKF
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Cyberworkshop Ltd. - General Award
Start Date:01/2005
Completion Date:07/2005
Abstract:
To study the problem of Terrestrial Localization.


Project Title:Voice control with speaker localization in noisy environments via robust eacho cancellation and microphone arrays
Investigator(s):Yiu CKF
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Innovation and Technology Fund Internship Programme
Start Date:02/2005
Completion Date:01/2006
Abstract:
To tackle the undesirable acoustic effects in a room condition in order to enhance speech recognition accuracy for interactive voice control products.


Project Title:Enhancement of voice recognition accuracy via optimization
Investigator(s):Yiu CKF, Mak KL
Department:Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg
Source(s) of Funding:Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:02/2006
Abstract:
Since most voice recognition devices are based on the hidden Markov chain and are trained with fairly clean signals, their performance usually deteriorate significantly in a noisy environment. Conventional design of hands-free communications system often concentrate on the noise reduction and the distortion of signal, but the trade-off between distortion and noise reduction and the optimization of the final recognition accuracy has not been explored properly. We propose to investigate this problem here. In order to increase the recognition accuracy, there are several fundamental problems we need to overcome. Our main objectives are the following: i) The first problem is to minimize the echoes. The acoustic echoes stem from the acoustic coupling between the loudspeaker and the microphone. Adaptive filters in a closed-loop path are often employed to identify the echo path and to cancel the echo. In the situation where a user wants to issue a command while the device is talking, it resembles the moment of double-talk where the microphone will pick up both the command and the speech of the device. The acoustic echo canceller therefore needs to be able to operate under double-talk situations and provide fast tracking of echo path variations. In the literature, most echo cancellers rely on the use of a double-talk detector to retain robustness. However, it fails to indicate the presence of double-talking for a time period after double-talking begins. Another technique is to employ a two-path model with a fixed foreground filter and an adaptive background filter. It has the advantage that double-talk detectors are not required. But this configuration cannot handle cases such as double-talks occur closely in time with echo path variations. In this part of the project, our main concern is the design of a robust echo canceller with fast tracking of echo path variations. The robust statistics technique will be employed so that the filters are adapted optimally under some kind of robust functions. Moreover, new multi-path configurations by combining more than one adaptive filter working in parallel will be investigated to increase the speed of tracking. We expect that we will come up with new novel designs of echo cancellers which are robust against double-talks and very efficient for tracking variations in this study. We will then optimize on the recognition accuracy with respect to the length of the adaptive filters and the signal to echo ratio. ii) The second problem is to look at noise reduction. The disturbance can be largely classified as convolutive and additive. The former refers to disturbance related to the acoustic environment. Additive disturbance is the background noise, “babble” from other speakers and also directional sources such as hands-free speakers. Most methods assume the noise is stationary, which is not true in practice. However, it is possible to tackle the problem with the use of sophisticated beamforming techniques. In this part of the project, we aim to develop better beamformers by optimizing on the recognition accuracy. Post-filtering techniques will be studied to further enhance the signal by eliminating diffused noise. In the noise reduction process, if time permits, we will also investigate the speeding up of the processing rate of signals. This relies on the use of a multi-rate processing system which analyses the signal into sub-band representation, process in the reduced subspaces and then syntheses back into its original full-band form. This has been a widely adopted technique for speech processing. The DFT filter banks are commonly used for efficient realization of the analysis and synthesis filter banks. However, sub-band processing introduces signal degradations, such as signal distortions and aliasing effects. Without a careful control of these adverse effects, the performance of the filter banks will be seriously affected. In this part of the project, we aim to develop novel techniques for the design of filter banks which will achieve pre-defined design requirements. Different measures of the filter banks, such as signal distortion, inband and residual aliasing effect and signal delay will be studied. Each design will be examined carefully to balance the performance against computational efficiency.


List of Research Outputs

Chan K.Y., Yiu C.K.F., Aydin M.E. and Fogarty T.C., A modified simulated annealing algorithm for solving uncapacitated facility location problems, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 8 pages.
Hollier R.H., Mak K.L. and Yiu C.K.F., Optimal inventory control of lumpy demand items using (s, S) policies with a maximum issue quantity restriction and opportunistic replenishments, International Journal of Production Research. 2005, 43(23): 4929-4944.
Leung C.K.S., Chong K.K.L., Chan W.M., Yiu C.K.F., Tso M.Y., Woo J., Tsang M.K., Tse K.K. and Yung W.H., Comparative study of retinal nerve fiber layer measurement by StratusOCT and GDx VCC, (II) structure/function regression analysis in glaucoma, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2005, 46(10): 3702-3711.
Mak K.L., Peng J.G., Xu Z.B. and Yiu C.K.F., A novel neural network for associative memory via dynamical systems, Discrete and Continuous Dynamical Systems-Series B. 2006, 6(3): 573-590.
Mak K.L., Lai K.K., Ng W.C. and Yiu C.K.F., Analysis of optimal opportunistic replenishment policies for inventory systems by using a (s, S) model with a maximum issue quantity restriction, European Journal of Operational Research. 2005, 166(2): 385-405.
Yiu C.K.F., Grbic N., Nordholm S. and Teo K.L., A hybrid method for the design of oversampled uniform DFT filter banks, Signal Processing. 2006, 86(7): 1355-1364.
Yiu C.K.F., Mak K.L. and Teo K.L., Airfoil design via optimal control theory, Journal of Industrial and Management Optimization. 2005, 1(1): 133-148.


Researcher : Zeng Y

List of Research Outputs

Zeng Y. and Lau T.L., The application of RFID in healthcare environment: a case study in an elderly center, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 7 pages.


Researcher : Zhang X

List of Research Outputs

Huang G.Q., Zhang X. and Lo V.H.Y., Optimal supply chain configuration for platform products: impacts of commonality, demand variability and quantity discount, International Journal of Mass Customization. 2005, 1(1): 107-133.
Huang G.Q., Zhang X. and Liang L., Towards integrated optimal configuration of platform products, manufacturing processes, and supply chains, Journal of Operations Management. 2005, 23(3-4): 267-290.
Zhang X. and Huang G.Q., Platform products development and supply chain configuration: an integrated perspective, In: Blecker and Friedrich, Mass Customization. Springer, 2006, 137-160.


Researcher : Zhao Y

List of Research Outputs

Lau H.Y.K., Zhao Y. and Pan C., Integrated scheduling of different types of handling equipment at automated cargo terminals, Proceedings of the 2nd Multidisciplinary International Conference on Scheduling: Theory & Applications. New York, 2005, AUR16.
Lau H.Y.K. and Zhao Y., Joint scheduling of handling equipment in automated air cargo terminals, Computers in Industry. 2006, 57(5): 398-411.
Zhao Y. and Lau H.Y.K., An integrated scheduling method for handling equipment at automated container terminals, Proceedings of the International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM2006). HKSAR, 2006, 8 pages.


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