DEPT OF INDUSTRIAL & MFG SYS ENGG
| Researcher : Bin S |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Qu T., Bin S., Huang G.Q. and Yang H., Two-Stages Product Platform Development for Mass Customization, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Qu T., Bin S., Huang G.Q. and Yang D., Two-stage Product Platform Development For Mass Customization, International Journal of Production Research. 2010, Online Published First. |
| Researcher : Chan FTS |
| 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: | 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. |
| Researcher : Chan LKY |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Chan L.K.Y. and Lau H.Y.K., A tangible user interface using spatial augmented reality, 2010 IEEE Symposium on 3D User Interfaces (3DUI), Waltham, Massachusetts. 2010, 137. |
| Researcher : Chan PLY |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Tai A.H.L., Ching W.K. and Chan P.L.Y., Detection of Machine Failure: Hidden Markov Model Approach, Computers and Industrial Engineering. 2009, 57: 608-619. |
| Researcher : Cheung HH |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Choi S.H. and Cheung H.H., Digital fabrication of multi-material objects for biomedical applications, In: W. Sun, Biofabrication. UK, IOP PUBLISHING, 2009, 1: 045001. |
| Researcher : Choi SH |
| Project Title: | A CAVE-based virtual reality system for safety enhancement of forklift truck operations in warehouses |
| Investigator(s): | Choi SH |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Small Project Funding |
| Start Date: | 12/2009 |
| Abstract: |
| Purpose of the proposed project This project aims to develop a full-immersive CAVE-based virtual reality system for safety enhancement of forklift truck operations in warehouses to improve warehousing management of the logistics industry. The proposed system adopts virtual reality (VR) technology to develop a virtual environment for stereoscopic graphical simulation of forklift operations. It provides a full-immersive CAVE-based environment to train drivers and to involve them in scenarios of “virtual” accidents, such that the safety awareness and mentality of forklift truck drivers would be significantly enhanced. The key issues and problems being addressed Forklift trucks play a pivotal role in warehouse management for lifting, transporting and handling goods or materials. Its high flexibility facilitates material handling operations in a timely and cost-effective way, thus enhancing the efficiency and productivity of a company. However, a forklift truck with overwhelming power can turn into a dangerous weapon causing serious damages, injuries or even fatalities. According to OSHA, the U.S. government agency in charge of monitoring workplace safety, forklift truck accidents in America cause a fatality every three days, on top of about 92,800 injuries each year [1]. Forklift truck accidents are neither uncommon in Hong Kong, and seven forklift accidents were recorded in 2006 [2], resulting in the death of two workers. Very often, forklift truck accidents not only cause severe interruptions to the operation of warehouses, but also diminish the performance and profitability of companies, which may be subject to huge fines and legal liabilities. In 2004, DIY giant B&Q was convicted of failing to ensure the safety of customers and was subsequently fined £550,000 and ordered to pay costs of £250,000 after a woman shopping at the B&Q store was crushed to death by a forklift truck [3]. Therefore, forklift truck safety is of paramount importance to smooth operation and profitability of companies, particularly in the logistics industries. To address the above issue, training can be one of the solutions. According to Occupational Safety & Health Administration [4] in America, about 70% of these accidents could be actually avoided with proper safety training. In Hong Kong, the Occupational Safety & Health Council of the Labour Department and other non-governmental bodies, like Vocational Training Centre, have long been providing certificate training courses for forklift truck drivers. While such traditional training courses are useful for enhancing the skills of forklift truck drivers, they are not particularly effective in reducing accidents. Indeed, the main cause of forklift accidents is related more to drivers’ poor safety awareness and driving mentality than to their lack of skills. Drivers tended to overlook hidden hazards until they turn into fatal accidents. For this reason, an effective way to improve safety awareness and driving mentality of forklift truck drivers is to create all sorts of accident scenarios, using virtual reality (VR) technology, for them to encounter during the training process. VR is a technology for creation of virtual worlds for real-time simulation and interaction through multiple sensorial channels. Based on the level of immersion, VR systems can be either semi-immersive or full-immersive. A semi-immersive VR system is typified by a desktop display or an LCD projector with a large screen that displays stereoscopic images [5-9], while a full-immersive VR system is characterised by a room-like CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment) environment consisting of multiple screens [10] which can block off much disturbances. By immersing forklift truck drivers into hazardous and even fatal scenarios in VR, they can go through the “accidents” in detail – how they ever happened and what damages and casualties were inflicted. Forklift truck drivers will be able to see for themselves the dire impacts of all sorts of possible accident scenarios. Subsequently, they will become more vigilant to the latent dangers in their working environments. Moreover, if guidance is provided along with simulation, forklift truck drivers will learn the operation skills to improve their ability in handling adverse or extreme conditions. Thus, many forklift accidents can be prevented. This project attempts to address the issues of poor safety awareness and improper driving mentality of forklift truck drivers, to help minimize accidents and enhance efficiency of forklift truck operations in warehouses. It aims to develop a full-immersive CAVE-based virtual reality system for safety enhancement of forklift truck operations in warehouses, and thus maintain effective and efficient management of the logistics industry. References: 1. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fatal Workplace Injuries in 2004. 2. http://the-sun.on.cc/channels/news/20070114/20070114020924_0000.html 3. http://www.poole.gov.uk/news/ref:3BB3696E36C848/ 4. Occupational Safety & Health Administration. http://www.osha.gov 5. Hoffmann, H., Stefani, O. and Patel, H. 2006. Extending the desktop workplace by a portable virtual system. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 64(3): 170-181. 6. Huang, W.S., Shing, C.Y., Fung, C.P., Chuang, T.Y., Jeng, M.C. and Doong, J.L. 2004. Assessment of various display devices on a virtual reality-based hand rehabilitation system. Robotica, 22(1):9-14. 7. Morar, S.S. and Macredie, R.D. 2004. Usability issues of desktop virtual environment applications. Virtual Reality, 7(3-4):175-176. 8. Mujber, T.S., Szecsi, T. and Hashmi, M.S.J. 2004.Virtual reality applications in manufacturing process simulation. Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 155-156:1834-1838. 9. Wang, Q.H. and Li, J.R. 2004. A desktop VR prototype for industrial training applications. Virtual Reality, 7(3-4):187-197. 10. CAVE. http://evlweb.eecs.uic.edu/core.php?mod=4&type=1&indi=161. Electronic Visualisation Laboratory. 2005. |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Choi S.H. and Cheung H.H., Digital fabrication of multi-material objects for biomedical applications, In: W. Sun, Biofabrication. UK, IOP PUBLISHING, 2009, 1: 045001. |
| Wang K. and Choi S.H., A decomposition-based algorithm for flexible flow shop scheduling with stochastic processing times (Best Student Paper Award), In: K. Wang and S.H. Choi, International Association of Engineers, The World Congress on Engineering and Computer Science 2009. San Francisco, USA, WCECS 2009, II: 1050-1060. |
| Wang K. and Choi S.H., Best Student Paper Award - A Decomposition-Based Algorithm for Flexible Flow Shop Scheduling with Stochastic Processing Times, International Association of Engineers - the World Congress on Engineering and Computer Science. USA, International Association of Engineers, 2009, 2009: 1055-1060. |
| Wang K. and Choi S.H., Decomposition-Based Scheduling for Makespan Minimisation of Flexible Flow Shop with Stochastic Processing Times, Engineering Letters. USA, 2010, 18:1: EL_18_1_09. |
| Researcher : Chu LK |
| Project Title: | IEEE The 16th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management An efficient approach for shelf space planning and display area allocation in convenience stores |
| Investigator(s): | Chu LK |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | URC/CRCG - Conference Grants for Teaching Staff |
| Start Date: | 10/2009 |
| Completion Date: | 10/2009 |
| Abstract: |
| N/A |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Chu L.K., An efficient approach for shelf space planning and display area allocation in convenience stores, In: Qi Ershi, Cheng Guang, Shen Jiang, Dou Runliang, 2009 IEEE 16th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management. Beijing, China, IEEE Press, 2009, I: 874-878. |
| Chu L.K., Ni J., Shi Y. and Xu Y., Inventory Risk mitigation by financial hedging, In: S.I. Ao, C. Douglas, W.S. Grundfest, J. Burgstome, International Conference on Systems Engineering and Engineering Management (ICSEEM'09). International Association of Engineers, 2009, II: 1260-1263. |
| Shi Y., Chu L.K., Ni J. and Ye S.H.I., A portfolio approach to procurement risk management, 6th International Conference on Digital Enterprise Technology, DET 2009. Hong Kong. |
| Researcher : Fang F |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Wong T.N. and Fang F., A Multi-agent Protocol for Multilateral Negotiations in Supply Chain Management, International Journal of Producion Research. 2010, 48: 271-299. |
| Researcher : Fang J |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Fang J., Huang G.Q., Zhang Y. and Qu T., Critical Event Processing and Its Regulatory Application, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Researcher : Ho KW |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Ho K.W. and Qu T., "Silver Award" in Hong Kong RFID Awards U-21 RFID Awards 2009, GS1 Hong Kong. 香港貨品編碼協會, 2009. |
| Qu T., Luo H., Ho K.W., Qin W. and Lu H., "Certificate of Merit" in Hong Kong RFID Awards U-21 RFID Awards 2009, GS1 Hong Kong. 香港貨品編碼協會, 2009. |
| Zhang Y., Huang G.Q., Qu T. and Ho K.W., Agent-Based Smart Objects Management System for Real-Time Wireless Manufacturing, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Zhang Y., Huang G.Q., Qu T. and Ho K.W., Agent-based workflow management for RFID-enabled real-time reconfigurable manufacturing, International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing. 2010, 23: 101-112. |
| Researcher : Huang GQ |
| Project Title: | RFID-enabled manufacturing |
| Investigator(s): | Huang GQ |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Pacific Top Industrial Ltd. - General Award |
| Start Date: | 08/2006 |
| Abstract: |
| To study the application of RFID in manufacturing industry. |
| Project Title: | Real-time manufacturing |
| Investigator(s): | Huang GQ |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Meyer Aluminium Ltd. - General Award |
| Start Date: | 08/2006 |
| Abstract: |
| To study real-time manufacturing. |
| Project Title: | Web-based supply chain mangement systems for platform products |
| Investigator(s): | Huang GQ |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Matching Fund for NSFC Young Researcher Award |
| Start Date: | 05/2007 |
| Abstract: |
| To study web-based supply chain mangement systems for platform products. |
| Project Title: | Gateway system for PRD manufactueres to adopt networked logistics customs cleanance platforms |
| Investigator(s): | Huang GQ |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Innovation and Technology Fund Internship Programme |
| Start Date: | 08/2007 |
| Abstract: |
| To empower PTEs in joining the China customs online supervision network to simplify customs administration procedures and reduce efforts in customs declaration and clearance. To facilitate PTEs to prepare accurate, consistent and complete customs clearance documents according to China customs and trade regulations, to update and submit them in a timely, dynamic manners in order to maximize the efficiency in customs declaration and clearance. To enable PTEs to seamlessly intergrate their existing EISs with the third-party logistics customs clearance service platforms to improve the overall logistics efficiency related to customs declaration and clearance. To enable PTEs to analyze the performance of their online customs declaration and clearance processes so that preventive and corrective measures can be taken to adopt to the change of business and government supervision processes. |
| Project Title: | Development of a real-time RFID-enabled supply chain management “demonstrator” |
| Investigator(s): | Huang GQ |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Run Run Shaw Research and Teaching Endowment Fund - Teaching Grants |
| Start Date: | 09/2007 |
| Abstract: |
| The purpose of this proposed project is to enhance logistics teaching facilities in order for the IMSE Department to continue to offer high standard BEng/MSc programmes, attract and admit best undergraduate BEng students among similar degree programs offered by sister institutions in Hong Kong, and expand our recruitment of well-qualified MSc students. The objective of this proposed project is to develop a Supply Chain Management demonstrator using the latest RFID and simulation technologies. The Demonstrator will create innovative learning environment for visualizing the basic phenomena and demonstrating principles in Supply Chain Management in order to further stimulate the students’ interests and enhance their understanding. In addition, the Demonstrator will demonstrate how global supply chain works and where SMEs can be integrated into the chain, and how SMEs equip themselves to join the global supply chain. |
| Project Title: | RFID-Enabled Real-Time Manufacturing with Fixed-Position Assembly Islands |
| Investigator(s): | Huang GQ |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Small Project Funding |
| Start Date: | 05/2008 |
| Abstract: |
| (1) To develop innovative smart objects and their management system for creating wireless assembly-islands workshops and real-time field data collection and synchronization. (2) To develop new dynamic scheduling models and solution methods under real-time events in wireless assembly-islands workshops for efficiency, effectiveness and stability. |
| Project Title: | RFID-Enabled Real-Time Manufacturing Shop-floor Information Infrastructure for PRD Processing Trade Enterprises |
| Investigator(s): | Huang GQ, Chan PLY, Huang JZ, Xu J |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Guangdong-Hong Kong Technology Cooperation Funding Scheme (LSCM) |
| Start Date: | 07/2008 |
| Abstract: |
| RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES 1. To develop an easy-to-deploy and simple-to-use RFID-based manufacturing shop-floor information infrastructure for manufacturing companies to realize real-time and seamless dual-way connectivity and interoperability between application systems at enterprise, shop-floor, work-cell and device levels. 2. To develop tools for different personnel (e.g. shop-floor managers and operators, process planners, facility managers, enterprise customs officers) to access, process, distribute and visualize real-time shop-floor and enterprise information so as to support their operations and facilitate adaptive decision making. 3. To develop good-practice guidelines for deployment of RFID-enabled real-time manufacturing solutions for streamlining and reconfiguring business and manufacturing processes for better efficiency and quality. 4. To demonstrate the use of the proposed infrastructure to upgrade and facilitate advanced real-time enterprise application systems through three pilot projects: 1) Adaptive scheduling system using real-time shop-floor information in a part fabrication company. 2) Responsive shop-floor planning and scheduling system considering real-time disturbances engineering changes, supply changes, customer requirement changes for assembling large-sized products in a supply chain context. 3) Preparation of periodical customs inspection data and estimation of actual unit consumption based on shop-floor production information in a large processing trade enterprise. |
| Project Title: | RFID-Enabled Shop-floor Gateway for Real-Time Reconfigurable Manufacturing |
| Investigator(s): | Huang GQ |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | General Research Fund (GRF) |
| Start Date: | 11/2008 |
| Abstract: |
| 1. To establish an RFID-based scalable and interoperable infrastructure to enable real-time and reconfigurable connectivity, traceability and visibility in manufacturing shopfloors. 2. To develop universal plug and play (UPnP) smart objects and gateway systems by combining operational logics, wireless sensing / networking devices, shopfloor objects such as machines, materials, containers, tools, and operators. 3. To develop agent-based workflow management systems for reconfiguring and executing manufacturing processes on a real-time basis. |
| Project Title: | Bi-Level Programming for Real-Time Dynamic Scheduling in Mould and Die Manufacturing |
| Investigator(s): | Huang GQ |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Small Project Funding |
| Start Date: | 01/2009 |
| Abstract: |
| (1) To formulate a multi-period bi-level programming model where the second level deals with real-time dynamic scheduling aiming for optimal shop-floor productivity and the first level coordinates MDM (mould and die manufacturing) projects aiming for timely delivery of mould products. Special focus will be placed upon how RFID-enabled (Radio Frequcny Identification) real-time information visibility and traceability could reduce the uncertainty while projects proceed from one period to next, thus improving the overall project and shop-floor scheduling robustness. (2) To develop solution methods for solving the multi-period bi-level real-time dynamic scheduling problems and to study their effectiveness, efficiency, and stability with data from collaborating companies. |
| Project Title: | Information service collaboration platform for mould product service system |
| Investigator(s): | Huang GQ, Zhang Y, Qu T |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Seed Funding Programme for Applied Research |
| Start Date: | 06/2009 |
| Abstract: |
| The purpose of this seed fund proposal is to seek necessary support from the HKU Seed Fund for Applied Research Committee so that the HKU team can conduct initial investigation and prepare a competitive ITF proposal. The aim is to develop an overall methodology for enabling the PSS concept in the mould and die manufacturing companies and to demonstrate the framework through a prototype service-oriented platform for facilitating the adoption of the concept in MD industry. More specially, research and development efforts will be focused on the following areas: (a) To investigate the business and operation models in mould and die manufacturing industry and companies, to identify how the concept of product service system (PSS) can be applied to transform and elevate their businesses, and to establish a strategic framework for Mould PSS. (b) To work with collaborating companies to identify their requirements and specifications for mould and die manufacturing information and collaboration IT support systems, to establish an overall platform infrastructure and to identify core technologies for in-depth research and development. (c) To design and develop Mould and Die Product Service System platform, including (i) collaborative project “kanban” service, (ii) supply and subcontract collaboration service, (iii) partner and alliance information sharing service, (iv) collaborative production planning and control service, and (v) Design for X service. (d) To investigate the business and operation models for proposed mPPS platform. (e) To implement mPPS services within collaborating MD manufacturers and to promote the practices within the relevant sectors through mould and die manufacturing associations. |
| Project Title: | RFID-Enabled Real-Time Manufacturing Shop-floor Information Infrastructure for PRD Processing Trade Enterprises |
| Investigator(s): | Huang GQ |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Innovation and Technology Fund Internship Programme (LSCM) |
| Start Date: | 07/2009 |
| Abstract: |
| RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES 1. To develop an easy-to-deploy and simple-to-use RFID-based manufacturing shop-floor information infrastructure for manufacturing companies to realize real-time and seamless dual-way connectivity and interoperability between application systems at enterprise, shop-floor, work-cell and device levels. 2. To develop tools for different personnel (e.g. shop-floor managers and operators, process planners, facility managers, enterprise customs officers) to access, process, distribute and visualize real-time shop-floor and enterprise information so as to support their operations and facilitate adaptive decision making. 3. To develop good-practice guidelines for deployment of RFID-enabled real-time manufacturing solutions for streamlining and reconfiguring business and manufacturing processes for better efficiency and quality. 4. To demonstrate the use of the proposed infrastructure to upgrade and facilitate advanced real-time enterprise application systems through three pilot projects: 1) Adaptive scheduling system using real-time shop-floor information in a part fabrication company. 2) Responsive shop-floor planning and scheduling system considering real-time disturbances engineering changes, supply changes, customer requirement changes for assembling large-sized products in a supply chain context. 3) Preparation of periodical customs inspection data and estimation of actual unit consumption based on shop-floor production information in a large processing trade enterprise. |
| Project Title: | RFID-Enabled Real-Time Manufacturing Shop-floor Information Infrastructure for PRD Processing Trade Enterprises |
| Investigator(s): | Huang GQ |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Innovation and Technology Fund Internship Programme (LSCM) |
| Start Date: | 07/2009 |
| Abstract: |
| RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES 1. To develop an easy-to-deploy and simple-to-use RFID-based manufacturing shop-floor information infrastructure for manufacturing companies to realize real-time and seamless dual-way connectivity and interoperability between application systems at enterprise, shop-floor, work-cell and device levels. 2. To develop tools for different personnel (e.g. shop-floor managers and operators, process planners, facility managers, enterprise customs officers) to access, process, distribute and visualize real-time shop-floor and enterprise information so as to support their operations and facilitate adaptive decision making. 3. To develop good-practice guidelines for deployment of RFID-enabled real-time manufacturing solutions for streamlining and reconfiguring business and manufacturing processes for better efficiency and quality. 4. To demonstrate the use of the proposed infrastructure to upgrade and facilitate advanced real-time enterprise application systems through three pilot projects: 1) Adaptive scheduling system using real-time shop-floor information in a part fabrication company. 2) Responsive shop-floor planning and scheduling system considering real-time disturbances engineering changes, supply changes, customer requirement changes for assembling large-sized products in a supply chain context. 3) Preparation of periodical customs inspection data and estimation of actual unit consumption based on shop-floor production information in a large processing trade enterprise. |
| Project Title: | 19th International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing (2009 FAIM) RFID-Enabled Real-Time Mass-Customized Production Planning and Scheduling |
| Investigator(s): | Huang GQ |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | URC/CRCG - Conference Grants for Teaching Staff |
| Start Date: | 07/2009 |
| Completion Date: | 07/2009 |
| Abstract: |
| N/A |
| Project Title: | VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory) Warehouse Management Commonly-Shared in Manufacturing Estates |
| Investigator(s): | Huang GQ |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Small Project Funding |
| Start Date: | 01/2010 |
| Abstract: |
| THE CONTEXT In the last few decades, local governments in North Americas, Europe and Greater China have allocated lands for establishing industrial estates. Each estate includes a number of specialized manufacturing companies, often SMEs, which may be related to each other. Individual manufacturers have and maintain their own warehouses for raw materials, WIP (work in progress) items, and finished products. They are also responsible for logistics services related to the flow of materials while third-party logistics providers are involved in distribution services of raw materials and finished products. THE NEW PARADIGM A new paradigm is emerging within these industrial estates. Each estate is establishing and operating its own common warehouse that provides VMI services shared by manufacturers and distributors. This new paradigm is considered to incorporate a number of contemporary principles in logistics and supply chain management (SCM). For example, manufacturing companies complement their demands for warehousing spaces with each other because they may have different peak seasons. In addition, VMI strategy is implemented for the manufacturers, rather than a single manufacturer, through the third-party logistics provider, i.e. the operator of the commonly-shared warehouse. Besides, manufacturers that use the same raw materials are able to enjoy risk pooling effects by letting the operator to manage their demands together. Furthermore, better information sharing is achieved among supply chain members through the common operator’s information services. Finally, different companies are able to share the information infrastructure to avoid substantial investments in IT platforms separately. OBJECTIVES This proposed project aims to carry out a theoretical investigation into this new paradigm of commonly-shared VMI warehousing services. The following focus areas will be studied: (1) To build mathematical model of the new paradigm with multiple typical manufacturers, multiple distributors, a single warehouse and multiple materials. (2) To collect typical data from industrial estates and carry out simulation studies. (3) To examine simulation results carefully and draw insights and implications. (4) To study the requirements for building the appropriate infrastructure that supports and enables the new paradigm. |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Fang J., Huang G.Q., Zhang Y. and Qu T., Critical Event Processing and Its Regulatory Application, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Gadh R., Micheal K., Roussos G., Huang G.Q., Chu P. and Prabhu S., Co-Guest Editor, Special Issue on RFID - A Unique Radio Innovation for the 21st Century, 2009-2010, IEEE Proceedings. 2009. |
| Huang G.Q. and Lu H., A bilevel programming approach to assembly job shop scheduling, Computers & Industrial Engineering, 2009. CIE 2009. International Conference on . IEEE, 2009, 182 - 187. |
| Huang G.Q., Area Editor (Business and Management in Engineering Design), SInce 2009, International Journal of Research in Engineering Design. 2009. |
| Huang G.Q., Associate Editor (since 2006), Journal of Industrial Engineering Research. 2010. |
| Huang G.Q., Associate Editor (since 2007), Journal of Journal of the Chinese Institute of Industrial Engineers. 2010. |
| Huang G.Q., Associate Editor (since 2008), Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing. 2010. |
| Huang G.Q., Co-Editor for Book Series (since 2005) , In: Professor Thorsten Blecker; and Professor Fabrizio Salvador , Erich Schmidt Verlag Book Series on "Operations and Technology Management". Germany, Erich Schmidt Verlag, 2010. |
| Huang G.Q., Editorial Board Member (since 2000 and further renewed in 2008), Journal of Engineering Design. 2010. |
| Huang G.Q., Editorial Board Member (since 2006), International Journal of Manufacturing Research. 2010. |
| Huang G.Q., Editorial board member (since 2002), International Journal of Intenet and Enterprise Management. 2010. |
| Huang G.Q., Editorial board member (since 2008), International Journal of Computer Aided Engineering and Technology . 2010. |
| Huang G.Q., Qu T., Zhong R., Li Z., Yang H., Zhang Y., Chen Q.X., Jiang P.Y. and Chen X., Establishing Production Service System and Information Collaboration Platform for Mold and Die Products, International Journal Of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. Springer, 2010. |
| Huang G.Q., Zhang Y. and Qu T., Guest editor in the DET09 Special Issue on "International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing", In: Huang, George Q. Zhang, Y.F. Qu, T., International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing. 2009. |
| Huang G.Q., Qu T. and Zhang Y., Guest editor in the DET2009 Special Issue on "Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing", In: Huang, George Q., Qu, T., Zhang, Y.F., Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing. 2009. |
| Huang G.Q., Keynote Speech, RFID-enabled real-time manufacturing execution service platform, The 19th International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing (2009 FAIM) . 2009. |
| Huang G.Q., Member of Editorial Board, since 2010, IMechE Proceedings Part B Journal of Engineering Manufacture. 2010. |
| Huang G.Q., Member of Editorial Board, 《保鲜与加工》. 2010. |
| Huang G.Q., Member, Editorial Review Board, Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management. 2010. |
| Huang G.Q., Mak K.L., Maropoloulos P.G. and Bernard A., Proceedings of 2009 CIRP-sponsored International Conference on Digital Enterprise Technology, Springer, 2009. |
| Huang G.Q., Regional Editor for Asia Pacific (since 2005), International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing. Taylor and Francis, 2010. |
| Huang G.Q., Senior Editor, Journal of Journal of the Chinese Institute of Industrial Engineers. 2010. |
| Huang G.Q., Service-Oriented Ubiquitous Manufacturing: Insights from Industrial Pilots for Next-Generation of RFID-Enabled Manufacturing Solutions , Annual Conference, Hong Kong R&D Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain Management Enabling Technologies, March 2010, Hong Kong. 2010. |
| Huang Y. and Huang G.Q., Best Student Paper: Game-Theoretic Coordination of Marketing and Inventory Policies in a Multi-level Supply Chain , The 2010 International Conference of Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Management. 2010. |
| Lu H. and Huang G.Q., A Bilevel Programming Approach to Assembly Job Shop Scheduling, 2009 International conference on computers & industrial engineering. 2009. |
| Lu W., Huang G.Q. and Zhu J.I.N.G.X.I.A.N.G., Development of a 3D electronic assembly instruction for prefabricated buildings, HK Government Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) Tie 3, HK$ 264,600, pending.. 2010. |
| Lu W. and Huang G.Q., Investigating and visualising scenarios for applying RFID technology in construction project management, Seed Funding Programme for Applied Research, HK$ 150,000, Unsuccessful. 2010. |
| Lu W. and Huang G.Q., Scenarios for applying RFID technology in construction project management, The 1st International Conference on Sustainable Construction & Risk Management. 2010. |
| Luo H., Huang G.Q., Zhang Y., Dai Q.Y. and Chen X., Two-stage hybrid batching flowshop scheduling with blocking and machine availability constraints using genetic algorithm , Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing. 6, 2009, 25: 962-971. |
| McMahon C.H.R.I.S., Dutta D. and Huang G.Q., Proceedings of 2009 International Conference on Product Lifecycle Management, Bath, UK, 2009. |
| Qin W. and Huang G.Q., A Two-Level Genetic Algorithm for Scheduling in Assembly Islands with Fixed-Position Layouts , Proceedings of the 16th ISPE International Conference on Concurrent Engineering . London, Springer, 2009, 17-28. |
| Qu T., Huang G.Q., Zhang Y. and Dai Q.Y., A Generic Analytical Target Cascading Optimization System For Decentralized Supply Chain Configuration Over Supply Chain Grid, International Journal Of Production Economics. Elsevier, 2009, 127(2): 262-277. |
| Qu T., Huang G.Q., Zhang Y. and Yang H., Analytical Target Cascading For Optimal Configuration of Production Service Systems, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Qu T., Huang G.Q., Cung V.D. and Mangione F., Optimal Configuration Of Assembly Supply Chains Using Analytical Target Cascading, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2009, Online Published First. |
| Qu T., Bin S., Huang G.Q. and Yang H., Two-Stages Product Platform Development for Mass Customization, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Qu T., Bin S., Huang G.Q. and Yang D., Two-stage Product Platform Development For Mass Customization, International Journal of Production Research. 2010, Online Published First. |
| Song C., Luo H., Qu T., Lu H. and Huang G.Q., A Simulation Approach to Hybrid Flowshop Scheduling Using Dispatching Rules, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Wang Y.Z., Cui Y.H., Zhang P., Huang H.F. and Huang G.Q., Study on fruit quality measurement and evaluation based on color identification, In: Toru Yoshizawa, Ping Wei, Jesse Zheng, Proc. of SPIE: 2009 International Conference on Optical Instruments and Technology: Optoelectronic Imaging and Process Technology. 2009, 7513: 277-786. |
| Yang S., Huang G.Q., Song H.Y. and Liang L., Game-Theoretic Approach to Competition Dynamics in Tourism Supply Chains, Journal of Travel Research. 2009, 4 (47): 425-439. |
| Yu Y.G., Huang G.Q. and Liang L., Stackelberg game-theoretic model for optimizing advertising, pricing and inventory policies in vendor managed inventory (VMI) production supply chains, Computers & Industrial Engineering. 2009, Volume 57, Issue 1: 368-382. |
| Zhang A. and Huang G.Q., A Mixed Integer Programming Model to Evaluate the Impact of Business Factors on Global Manufacturing Relocation Decisions , CIE39 - International Conference on Computers & Industrial Engineering. 2009. |
| Zhang A. and Huang G.Q., A mixed integer programming model to evaluate the impact of business factors on global manufacturing relocation decisions, Proceedings of 39th International Conference on Computers & Industrial Engineering, Troyes, France. IEEE, 2009, 390-395. |
| Zhang A. and Huang G.Q., Scenario analysis for Hong Kong port development under changing business environment, In: E. P. Chew, L. H. Lee and L. C. Tang, Advances in Maritime Logistics and Supply Chain Systems. 2010. |
| Zhang X.Y. and Huang G.Q., Game-theoretic Approach to Simultaneous Configuration of Platform Products and Supply Chains with one Manufacturing Firm and Multiple Cooperative Suppliers , International Journal Of Production Economics. 2010. |
| Zhang X.Y., Song H.Y. and Huang G.Q., Tourism supply chain management: A new research agenda , Tourism Management. 2009, 3 (30): 345-358. |
| Zhang Y., Huang G.Q., Qu T. and Ho K.W., Agent-Based Smart Objects Management System for Real-Time Wireless Manufacturing, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Zhang Y., Huang G.Q., Qu T. and Ho K.W., Agent-based workflow management for RFID-enabled real-time reconfigurable manufacturing, International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing. 2010, 23: 101-112. |
| Zhang Y. and Huang G.Q., Best Paper Award, Zhang Y., Jiang P., Huang G.Q., RFID-enabled real-time manufacturing information tracking infrastructure for extended enterprises , DET 2009 International Conference. 2009. |
| Zhang Y., Huang G.Q. and Ngai B., Case-based polishing process planning with Fuzzy Set Theory, Int. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing. 2009, DOI 10.1007/s10845-009-0259-9.. |
| Zhang Y., Huang G.Q., Jiang P. and Qu T., Implementation of Real-time Shop Floor Manufacturing Using RFID Technologies, Int. Journal of Manufacturing Research. 2009, 5: 74-86. |
| Zhen L., Huang G.Q. and Jiang Z.H., An inner-enterprise knowledge recommender system , Expert Systems with Applications. 2009. |
| Zhen L.U., Huang G.Q. and Jiang Z.H., Recommender system based on workflow, Decision Support Systems. 2009, 48: 237-245. |
| Zhou G.H., Jiang P.Y. and Huang G.Q., A game-theory approach for job scheduling in networked manufacturing , The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology . 2009, Volume 41, Numbers 9-10: 972-985. |
| Zhu Q.Q., Jiang P.Y., Huang G.Q. and Qu T., Implementing An Industrial Product-service System For Cnc Machine Tool, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. London, Springer London, 2010, Online Published First. |
| Researcher : Huang Y |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Huang Y. and Huang G.Q., Best Student Paper: Game-Theoretic Coordination of Marketing and Inventory Policies in a Multi-level Supply Chain , The 2010 International Conference of Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Management. 2010. |
| Researcher : Humphreys PK |
| Project Title: | 16th International Conference Computer Aided |
| Investigator(s): | Humphreys PK |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | URC/CRCG - Conference Grants for Teaching Staff |
| Start Date: | 08/2000 |
| Abstract: |
| N/A |
| Researcher : Lai WC |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Lai W.C. and Lau H.Y.K., A bio-inspired object tracking algorithm for minimising power consumption, International Conference on Green Circuits and Systems (ICGCS 2010), Shanghai. 2010, 355 - 360. |
| 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: | 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: | 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: | 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: | DHL Central Asia SuperHub Virtual Reality Model |
| Investigator(s): | Lau HYK |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | DHL Aviation (HK) Ltd. |
| Start Date: | 04/2006 |
| Abstract: |
| To develop a virtual reality model that integrates with the simulation model of the 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. |
| Project Title: | Simulation of DHL Central Asia SuperHub for man power planning |
| Investigator(s): | Lau HYK |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | DHL Aviation (HK) Ltd. |
| Start Date: | 07/2006 |
| Abstract: |
| To developed a simulation model for the DHL Central Asia SuperHub for man power allocation |
| Project Title: | A distributed optimization method for the efficient coordination of cooperative systems |
| Investigator(s): | Lau HYK |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | General Research Fund (GRF) |
| Start Date: | 09/2007 |
| Completion Date: | 08/2009 |
| Abstract: |
| 1. To develop a distributed optimization methodology for the design of cooperative system configurations, with focus on the domain of industrial automation. 2. To investigate the performance of the proposed optimization method with respect to speed of convergence, parameter sensitivity and communication paradigm. 3. To implement the method developed with MatlabMPI to investigate the performance under different problem types and in comparison with other optimization algorithms such as genetic algorithm-based and ant colonies-based algorithms. |
| Project Title: | The control of intelligent agents in a self-organizing sensor network |
| Investigator(s): | Lau HYK |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Small Project Funding |
| Start Date: | 11/2007 |
| Abstract: |
| A sensor network consists of spatially distributed autonomous agents using sensors to cooperatively perform actions such as the monitoring of environmental conditions, traffic control, resources management, tracking of spatial objects, etc. In logistics engineering, an intelligent sensor network that is capable of extracting information from its environment over a finite time frame would greatly benefit operations including real-time tracking of shipment and equipment in cargo terminals, distribution centers and airports; transportation control and management; monitoring traffic flow and accident alert; and security monitoring in detecting intruders and unauthorized activities. Often, the configuration of a sensor network is fixed once it is setup and information processing of its sensors relies on the functionality of individual sensors that are coordinated by some centralized intelligence. Despite the advantage of simplicity and manageability, such an architecture with a centralize control is inflexible and lack of scalability. The dependency on a single computation node often limits the overall performance as the complexity of a centralized information processing paradigm exponentially escalates as the network expands. To overcome these limitations, the objective of this research is to derive a fully distributed algorithm based on the computation paradigm of artificial immune system (AIS) for the automatic control of the intelligent agents (sensor nodes) in a sensor network to perform monitoring and detection tasks with constraints including time, distance and resources. In return, a coherence global behavior shall be emergence from the entire sensor network under the control of the adopted AIS-based algorithm. AIS is an engineering analogue of the human immune system that supports a distributed computation paradigm for effective problem solving. It offers a number of favorable features including adaptation, regulation and self-learning for producing the best solutions to a problem in a distributed manner. We proposed to develop a network control algorithm based on (a) the immune network theory that provides mechanisms for organizing the structure of a spatially distributed network, and (b) the general suppression control framework (GSCF) [1] developed by the investigator et. al for the dynamic regulation of network activities through continuous promoting favorable while suppressing undesirable activities. In addition to a detailed simulation study on a multi-node computation platform, the developed algorithm is to be implemented on a prototyped sensor network built from a number of microprocessor controlled transceivers. |
| Project Title: | A Web 2.0-enabled e-learning system for collaborative learning and community building in teacher education |
| Investigator(s): | Lau HYK, Lai AWY |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Teaching Development Grants |
| Start Date: | 01/2008 |
| Abstract: |
| (1) Produce an integrated and comprehensive e-learning system to cover the Education Faculty's three year Teaching Practice (internship) programs. (2) Design and develop new Web 2.0-enabled feature to accommodate the needs of student teachers for uploading, sharing and building knowledge with digital materials (case studies). (3) Design and develop Web 2.0¬-enabled feature that are conducive to collaborative learning and community building among student from both disciplines. (4) Conduct research study on the sustainability, transferability and scalability of good teaching and learning practices, in particular with the use of innovative ICT. And inform the results to the 4-Year Curriculum committee in devising tangible and feasible reform initiatives and programs in various faculties. (5) Produce scholarly texts for knowledge dissemination and submission to international journals. |
| Project Title: | A parallel immunity-based framework for multi-objective optimization |
| Investigator(s): | Lau HYK |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research |
| Start Date: | 04/2009 |
| Abstract: |
| A parallel multi-objective optimization framework provides a means to describe multi-objective optimization problems in a formalism that is amenable to be solved under a parallel computation paradigm. Such a framework provides a powerful means for solving large-scale scheduling and planning problems especially when the problems are inherently distributed such as those found in modern cellular manufacturing systems, and delivery networks with distribution centers and warehouse that are physically distributed. The development of such a multi-objective optimization framework that is readily executed in a parallel computation platform is thus the central objective of the proposed project. In essence, this research project develops a framework for finding a set of optimal solutions for multi-objective optimization problems using a meta-heuristic strategy that is inspired form the biological immune system known as artificial immune systems or AIS. Being an engineering analogy of the human immune system, AIS processes important features of self-regulation, self-organization, distributed control; and provides an intelligent computation model for distributed computation. In recent years, AIS has established itself as one of the major field of research in artificial intelligence. Over the years, there has been growing interest in the adaptation of biological processes such as genetic algorithms, swarm intelligence, ant colony-based algorithms, etc. in the derivation of computation models and paradigms for optimization. The immune system is one of these systems that have drawn significant attention in recent years where its appealing characteristics including distributed problem solving, learning and adaptability, self-regulation and coordination have been keenly considered across different engineering disciplines. A number research has been conducted in the development of immune inspired optimization algorithms [2, 10]. According to the underlying principles of these algorithms, they can be broadly classified into (1) clonal selection-based, and (2) immune network-based algorithms. We proposed to adopt the concept of clonal selection principle [1], the general suppression control framework (GSCF) developed by the PI [J12, C19, C20], and the immune network hypothesis of Jerne [8] as the theoretical underpinning of the optimization algorithms and the parallel computation paradigm of the multi-objective optimization framework. Specifically, the clonal selection principle of AIS describes the mechanism of an immune response against antigen invasion, which establishes the fundamental concept that only antibodies with high antigen recognition capability are proliferated. The proposed optimization algorithm adopts the mechanism that only antibodies with a high degree of fitness are allowed to clone and mutate, and in doing so, antibodies perform local search in different directions along contiguous areas in the objective space, whereas the receptor editing process performs exploration through the whole search space. This ensures a selection pressure on good solutions that evolve towards the optimal solution set (Pareto solution) with reduced redundancy. In conjunction with the clonal selection principle, the incorporation of the general suppression control framework (GSCF) and the immune network theory would further enhance the diversity and speed of convergence during the evaluation of the optimal solution set; and at the same time, provide a mechanism for coordinating of the parallel evaluation of the optimal solution under a distributed computation platform. In particular, GSCF was developed based on the analogy of the regulation of immune response by the lymphocytes in accordance with the immuno-suppression hypothesis. The regulation mechanism of the GSCF is adopted to regulate the dynamics of the evolution population. Taking the information including solution fitness and affinity, GSCF algorithms are used to regulate the dynamics of the evolution population in the proposed framework to preserve the diversity of the evolving population, and also to control the size of the evolving population adaptively. Furthermore, the immune network theory of Jerne regulates network interactions via suppression and activation of the solutions. While, most existing immune-inspired algorithms focused on the deployment of the suppression operation to control network interaction, the optimization algorithms in the proposed optimization framework models activation of antibodies to stimulate the process of local search so a to enhance the efficiency of the exploitation of the search space. This extension is expected to expedite the convergence to optimal solution sets. With the ultimate goals of delivering an optimization framework for solving multi-objective optimization problems based on the novel computation paradigm of artificial immune systems, we foresee that the proposed framework will impart a formal and systemic approach for solving optimization problems with the remarkable characteristics of efficiency, scalability and robustness. In particular, the following objectives are defined: 1. To develop the structure of the optimization framework for multi-objective optimization that is amenable to be executed under a parallel computation platform. 2. To develop the optimization algorithms of the framework based on the computation models of general suppression control framework and the principle of clonal selection mechanism of artificial immune systems. 3. To evaluate the performance of the framework through two benchmarking experiments including an investigation of the effectiveness in solving general optimization problems, and secondly, a comparison with similar AIS-based and evolutionary algorithms. 4. To evaluate the practical significance of the framework in solving a representative production planning problem in a large manufacturing plant. An abstract model of the manufacturing operation is developed, a domain specific optimization framework will be setup, and the optimization algorithms of the framework are to be implemented with the Python Programming Language. |
| Project Title: | A multi-agent framework for distributed optimization |
| Investigator(s): | Lau HYK |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research |
| Start Date: | 03/2010 |
| Abstract: |
| The project aims to develop a framework for tackling large-scale optimization problems by decomposing a problem into a number of related smaller problems that are more manageable. These smaller problems are then solved by a group of cooperating entities called optimization agents having the ability to solve optimization problems, exchange information and cooperate to strive for a global optimal solution in a distributed manner. A coordination and regulatory method is incorporated into each of these agents, which is developed based on the underlying mechanisms inspired by the biological immune system. The framework adopts an engineering analogy of the human immune system known as artificial immune systems (AIS) to provide the control mechanisms and computation paradigm for formulating the algorithms of the multi-agent framework. Previous studies have shown that AIS offers a number of favorable features including self-regulation and organization, adaptation and cooperation for producing the best solution to a problem in a distributed manner. Traditionally, distributed optimization algorithms for constraint optimization have not been widely adopted to solve large-scale problems due to prohibitive complexity in information exchange and coordination between optimization agents. In this respect, an AIS-based computation framework for distributed optimization offers an effective and efficient means to manage the interactions between optimization agents by which only essential information that controls the local optimization process is strategically exchanged between those relevant agents that are determined by the underlying principles of the immune system. This project will therefore adapt the concept and computation paradigm of AIS with its attractive features to develop an agent-based framework for the modeling of distributed optimization problems and to control the cooperation of these optimization agents to produce optimal solutions in an effective and efficient manner. The resulting framework will impart a systematic and methodical basis for the definition and solving of these large-scale optimization problems that will make the solution process significantly more manageable, scalable and robust. The objectives of the project include the followings: 1. To develop a dynamic problem decomposition method for the generation and iterative modification of optimization sub-problems based on the principle of distributed constraint satisfaction process. 2. To develop a framework consisting of a formal definition of a multi-agent model and the corresponding computation model with formulation of the optimization algorithms that are encapsulated under the three abstract objects, namely, the communication, control and optimization objects. The framework also includes the immune-inspired agent coordination and management method that control the interactivities of the cooperating optimization agents. 3. To evaluate the performance of the framework through two benchmarking experiments: firstly, an investigation of the effectiveness in solving general optimization problems, and secondly, a comparison with similar AIS-based and evolutionary algorithms. 4. The findings of project will form the basis for developing a research proposal in field of distributed optimization under a multi-agent computation paradigm to be submitted for a GRF grant. |
| Project Title: | IEEE Symposium on 3D User Interfaces 2010 A Tangible User Interface Using Spatial Augmented Reality |
| Investigator(s): | Lau HYK |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | URC/CRCG - Conference Grants for Teaching Staff |
| Start Date: | 03/2010 |
| Completion Date: | 03/2010 |
| Abstract: |
| N/A |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Chan L.K.Y. and Lau H.Y.K., A tangible user interface using spatial augmented reality, 2010 IEEE Symposium on 3D User Interfaces (3DUI), Waltham, Massachusetts. 2010, 137. |
| Lai W.C. and Lau H.Y.K., A bio-inspired object tracking algorithm for minimising power consumption, International Conference on Green Circuits and Systems (ICGCS 2010), Shanghai. 2010, 355 - 360. |
| Lau H.Y.K. and Lu Y., Distributed optimization for a network of cooperative agents, 23rd European Conference on Operational Research, Bonn, 5 – 7 July. 2009. |
| Lau H.Y.K., The development and deployment the Interactive Multimedia E-Learning System for Industrial Engineers, eLearing Course Design @ HKU: Sharing Good Practices orgained by CITE, The University of Hong Kong. 2010. |
| Lee N.M.Y. and Lau H.Y.K., An immune inspired algorithm for solving dynamic vehicle dispatching problems in a port container terminal, 8th International Conference on Artificial Immune Systems, (ICARIS 2009), York, England, 9 – 12 August. 2009. |
| Lu Y., Lau H.Y.K. and Yiu C.K.F., A Hybrid Solution to Collaborative Decision-making in a Decentralized Supply-Chain, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management . 2010. |
| Lu Y. and Lau H.Y.K., An Immunity inspired Real-time cooperative control framework for networked multi-agent systems, 8th International Conference on Artificial Immune Systems, (ICARIS 2009), York, England, 9 – 12 August. 2009. |
| Pan F.C.N., Lau H.Y.K. and Lai Au Yeung W.Y.W., Sharing e-Learning Innovation aross Disciplines: an Encounter between Engineering and Teacher Education , In: Academic -Conferences.Ltd, Electronic Journal of e-Learning General topic papers. Academic - conferences Ltd, 2010, 8 Issue 1: 31-40. |
| Tsang W.W.P. and Lau H.Y.K., Immune Nnetwork theory based multi-objective optimization algorithm with approximate dominance consideration, 23rd European Conference on Operational Research, Bonn, 5 – 7 July. 2009. |
| Wong Y.C.E. and Lau H.Y.K., Advancement in the twentieth century in artificial immune systems for optimization: review and future outlook, IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics (SMC2009), San Antonio, Texas, 11 – 14 October. 2009. |
| Wong Y.C.E., Lau H.Y.K. and Mak K.L., Immunity-based evolutionary algorithm for optimal global container repositioning in liner shipping, International Journal of OR Spectrum. 2010, 32: 739 - 763. |
| 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. |
| Project Title: | Seventh International Conference on Manufacturing A Study on Operations Practices of Hong Kong Manufacturers Key Issues for the Success of Automated Warehouse |
| Investigator(s): | Lau TL |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | URC/CRCG - Conference Grants for Teaching Staff |
| Start Date: | 11/2002 |
| Abstract: |
| N/A |
| Researcher : Lee NMY |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Lee N.M.Y. and Lau H.Y.K., An immune inspired algorithm for solving dynamic vehicle dispatching problems in a port container terminal, 8th International Conference on Artificial Immune Systems, (ICARIS 2009), York, England, 9 – 12 August. 2009. |
| Researcher : Li Z |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Huang G.Q., Qu T., Zhong R., Li Z., Yang H., Zhang Y., Chen Q.X., Jiang P.Y. and Chen X., Establishing Production Service System and Information Collaboration Platform for Mold and Die Products, International Journal Of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. Springer, 2010. |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| Researcher : Lu H |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Huang G.Q. and Lu H., A bilevel programming approach to assembly job shop scheduling, Computers & Industrial Engineering, 2009. CIE 2009. International Conference on . IEEE, 2009, 182 - 187. |
| Lu H. and Huang G.Q., A Bilevel Programming Approach to Assembly Job Shop Scheduling, 2009 International conference on computers & industrial engineering. 2009. |
| Qu T., Luo H., Ho K.W., Qin W. and Lu H., "Certificate of Merit" in Hong Kong RFID Awards U-21 RFID Awards 2009, GS1 Hong Kong. 香港貨品編碼協會, 2009. |
| Song C., Luo H., Qu T., Lu H. and Huang G.Q., A Simulation Approach to Hybrid Flowshop Scheduling Using Dispatching Rules, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Researcher : Lu H |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Huang G.Q. and Lu H., A bilevel programming approach to assembly job shop scheduling, Computers & Industrial Engineering, 2009. CIE 2009. International Conference on . IEEE, 2009, 182 - 187. |
| Lu H. and Huang G.Q., A Bilevel Programming Approach to Assembly Job Shop Scheduling, 2009 International conference on computers & industrial engineering. 2009. |
| Qu T., Luo H., Ho K.W., Qin W. and Lu H., "Certificate of Merit" in Hong Kong RFID Awards U-21 RFID Awards 2009, GS1 Hong Kong. 香港貨品編碼協會, 2009. |
| Song C., Luo H., Qu T., Lu H. and Huang G.Q., A Simulation Approach to Hybrid Flowshop Scheduling Using Dispatching Rules, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Researcher : Lu Y |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Lau H.Y.K. and Lu Y., Distributed optimization for a network of cooperative agents, 23rd European Conference on Operational Research, Bonn, 5 – 7 July. 2009. |
| Lu Y., Lau H.Y.K. and Yiu C.K.F., A Hybrid Solution to Collaborative Decision-making in a Decentralized Supply-Chain, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management . 2010. |
| Lu Y. and Lau H.Y.K., An Immunity inspired Real-time cooperative control framework for networked multi-agent systems, 8th International Conference on Artificial Immune Systems, (ICARIS 2009), York, England, 9 – 12 August. 2009. |
| Researcher : Luo H |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Luo H., Huang G.Q., Zhang Y., Dai Q.Y. and Chen X., Two-stage hybrid batching flowshop scheduling with blocking and machine availability constraints using genetic algorithm , Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing. 6, 2009, 25: 962-971. |
| Qu T., Luo H., Ho K.W., Qin W. and Lu H., "Certificate of Merit" in Hong Kong RFID Awards U-21 RFID Awards 2009, GS1 Hong Kong. 香港貨品編碼協會, 2009. |
| Song C., Luo H., Qu T., Lu H. and Huang G.Q., A Simulation Approach to Hybrid Flowshop Scheduling Using Dispatching Rules, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Researcher : Luo H |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Luo H., Huang G.Q., Zhang Y., Dai Q.Y. and Chen X., Two-stage hybrid batching flowshop scheduling with blocking and machine availability constraints using genetic algorithm , Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing. 6, 2009, 25: 962-971. |
| Qu T., Luo H., Ho K.W., Qin W. and Lu H., "Certificate of Merit" in Hong Kong RFID Awards U-21 RFID Awards 2009, GS1 Hong Kong. 香港貨品編碼協會, 2009. |
| Song C., Luo H., Qu T., Lu H. and Huang G.Q., A Simulation Approach to Hybrid Flowshop Scheduling Using Dispatching Rules, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Researcher : Mak KL |
| Project Title: | A tensor-based decomposition technique for detecting textile fabric defect occurrence |
| Investigator(s): | Mak KL |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | General Research Fund (GRF) |
| Start Date: | 01/2008 |
| Abstract: |
| 1.The objectives of the proposed research therefore include: • To develop an algorithm for detecting fabric defect occurrence using a tensor-based decomposition technique. 2. To develop a method for implementing such an algorithm in real time. 3. To develop a prototype visual inspection system to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm. This may lead to possible modifications of the algorithm to ensure effective real time implementation. 4. It is expected that the algorithm developed in this research can also be used to solve other image processing problems, e.g., video surveillance. |
| Project Title: | Dynamic Scheduling in Virtual Cellular Manufacturing Systems |
| Investigator(s): | Mak KL |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | General Research Fund (GRF) |
| Start Date: | 01/2009 |
| Abstract: |
| 1. To develop a mathematical model which describes the characteristics of a VCMS, and an efficient and effective hybrid scheduling algorithm based on the techniques of constraint network and particle swarm optimization for dynamic production scheduling in VCMSs. 2. To develop a methodology for the analysis of the convergence characteristics of the proposed hybrid scheduling algorithm. 3. To develop a distributed optimization methodology for the efficient parallel implementation of the proposed hybrid scheduling algorithm. 4. To develop a prototype simulation and optimization system for dynamic production scheduling in VCMSs. The performance of the system will be evaluated by simulation and by applying the system to formulate production schedules for a manufacturing company. |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Huang G.Q., Mak K.L., Maropoloulos P.G. and Bernard A., Proceedings of 2009 CIRP-sponsored International Conference on Digital Enterprise Technology, Springer, 2009. |
| Mak K.L. and Sun D., A new hybrid genetic algorithm and Tabu Search Method for yard cranes scheduling with inter-crane interference, In: S.I. Ao, Len Gelman, David WL Hukins, Andrew Hunter, A.M. Korsunsky, World Congress on Engineering 2009. London, UK, 1: 526-531. |
| Mak K.L. and Zhang L., Simultaneous scheduling of import and export containers handling in container terminals, In: S.I. Ao, Len Gelman, David WL Hukins, Andrew Hunter, A.M. Korsunsky, World Congress on Engineering 2009. London, UK, 1: 604-609. |
| Wong Y.C.E., Lau H.Y.K. and Mak K.L., Immunity-based evolutionary algorithm for optimal global container repositioning in liner shipping, International Journal of OR Spectrum. 2010, 32: 739 - 763. |
| Researcher : Ng WC |
| Project Title: | Designing yard cluster template for container terminals |
| Investigator(s): | Ng WC |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | General Research Fund (GRF) |
| Start Date: | 01/2009 |
| Completion Date: | 08/2009 |
| Abstract: |
| 1. Build models for the yard template design problem; 2. Understand the structure of the problem and thereby develop effective algorithms for solving the problem; 3. Evaluate the yard templates found by the proposed algorithms with tight lower bounds; 4. Study implementation issues of the new algorithms in container terminal decision support systems |
| Researcher : Ni J |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Chu L.K., Ni J., Shi Y. and Xu Y., Inventory Risk mitigation by financial hedging, In: S.I. Ao, C. Douglas, W.S. Grundfest, J. Burgstome, International Conference on Systems Engineering and Engineering Management (ICSEEM'09). International Association of Engineers, 2009, II: 1260-1263. |
| Shi Y., Chu L.K., Ni J. and Ye S.H.I., A portfolio approach to procurement risk management, 6th International Conference on Digital Enterprise Technology, DET 2009. Hong Kong. |
| Researcher : Qin W |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Qin W. and Huang G.Q., A Two-Level Genetic Algorithm for Scheduling in Assembly Islands with Fixed-Position Layouts , Proceedings of the 16th ISPE International Conference on Concurrent Engineering . London, Springer, 2009, 17-28. |
| Qu T., Luo H., Ho K.W., Qin W. and Lu H., "Certificate of Merit" in Hong Kong RFID Awards U-21 RFID Awards 2009, GS1 Hong Kong. 香港貨品編碼協會, 2009. |
| Researcher : Qin W |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Qin W. and Huang G.Q., A Two-Level Genetic Algorithm for Scheduling in Assembly Islands with Fixed-Position Layouts , Proceedings of the 16th ISPE International Conference on Concurrent Engineering . London, Springer, 2009, 17-28. |
| Qu T., Luo H., Ho K.W., Qin W. and Lu H., "Certificate of Merit" in Hong Kong RFID Awards U-21 RFID Awards 2009, GS1 Hong Kong. 香港貨品編碼協會, 2009. |
| Researcher : Qu T |
| Project Title: | Configuration and Operation of Manufacturing Supply Chains under Headquarter Economy |
| Investigator(s): | Qu T, Huang GQ |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Small Project Funding |
| Start Date: | 01/2010 |
| Abstract: |
| [Background] Headquarter Economy refers to a special economic phenomenon in which corporate enterprises centralize their headquarter departments (management/decision/design/sales) in several economically developed cities to attract more market opportunities and professional talents, while deploy their manufacturing departments to those developing industrial regions to obtain lower labor and material costs. The former cities/regions filled with enterprise headquarters are called Enterprise Headquarter Region (EHR), e.g. Hong Kong, Beijing; the latter regions congregated with a considerable number of manufacturing factories around a specific industry gradually form competitive advantages in this industry and are thus called Industry Headquarter Region (IHR), e.g. Ceramic Product Headquarter Region - Foshan. That means, EHR accommodates the headquarters of enterprises, while IHR has the headquarter status in a specific industry. They are two typical forms of Headquarter Economy. [Objectives] Both governments and corporate enterprises in greater China region have paid increasing attention to Headquarter Economy. How to effectively and efficiently form and operate the supply chains of manufacturing enterprises under this economic phenomenon therefore deserves further investigation. There are two major objectives of this project: (1) To study the typical supply chain problems in manufacturing industry under headquarter economy The headquarter departments of manufacturing enterprises are located in EHRs. They are responsible for making strategic-level supply sourcing decisions, including supplier selection and supply chain configuration (SCC) decisions. Specifically, they will determine to which EHs (suppliers) certain component parts or production tasks should be outsourced and the optimal supply attributes, such as prices or lead times. However, the multiple involved EHs are probably willing to maintain their autonomous decision rights instead of using a centralized decision system. This is not only out of the consideration of enterprise privacy protection, but also due to the fact that the heterogeneous SCC decision support systems (DSS) of EHs are difficult to be integrated together. Therefore, how to organize the concerned enterprise headquarters to collaborate a decentralized SCC decision process will be studied. In a configured supply chain, each EH will periodically make operational-level customer order release (COR) decisions toward one or several IHRs. Two practical facts of both the downstream and upstream of a EH should be taken into consideration. First, toward the downstream direction, an EH may participate into multiple supply chains and therefore a great deal of orders with different agreed attributes, e.g. order fulfillment cycle times, will be encountered. Second, toward the upstream direction, both its subsidiary factories with complementing capabilities and those external OEMs with competing capabilities may be involved in the COR process. How to select and configure suitable factories to form an optimal production alliance(s), how to group/partition orders and then release them to the alliance(s) are all decisions to be made. However, several challenges are identified when making these decisions: (1) independent service providers want to maintain their decision autonomy, similar as in the previous SCC decision process, (2) large number of orders and decision makers as well as their various attributes greatly increase the complexity of decision model;(3) short-term decision requires more efficient decision process. These issues will be studied and addressed in this project. (2) To develop decision systems for solving the encountered problems under headquarter economy First, decentralized SCC decision system will be developed. Due to the different supply chain structures and different levels of autonomous decision rights of enterprises, the resulted decentralized SCC models may indicate different decision structures. Three typical SCC decision structure will be studied and solved by a newly emerged decomposition-based optimization method, analytical target cascading (ATC). Besides, a service-oriented distributed SCC optimization system, named atcPortal, will be developed. In atcPortal, individual EHs convert their local DSS into decision web services to form a distributed open-standard SCC service platform, called supply chain grid (SCG). ATC serves as the foundation mechanism for atcPortal to coordinate these web services through three phases of service searching, service-based ATC problem definition, and ATC execution. atcPortal supports these phases by providing three functional modules respectively, namely atcUDDI, atcEditor and atcEngine. Second, atcPortal will be extended to a decentralized OCR decision system. It includes two functional modules. The first module aims to configure a production alliance toward both an enterprise’s subsidiary factories and those autonomous external OEMs. In the second module, the configured production alliance will also be coordinated by ATC to perform a decentralized order release process. Certain order release mechanisms will be embedded in ATC as releasing criteria, e.g. Uniform Starts (UNIF), Constant Work In Process (CONWIP). These two modules ensure that the autonomous manufacturing factories, especially those of external OEMs, make their autonomous decisions while the overall decision efficiency could be enhanced due to the distributed parallel computation. |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Fang J., Huang G.Q., Zhang Y. and Qu T., Critical Event Processing and Its Regulatory Application, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Ho K.W. and Qu T., "Silver Award" in Hong Kong RFID Awards U-21 RFID Awards 2009, GS1 Hong Kong. 香港貨品編碼協會, 2009. |
| Huang G.Q., Qu T., Zhong R., Li Z., Yang H., Zhang Y., Chen Q.X., Jiang P.Y. and Chen X., Establishing Production Service System and Information Collaboration Platform for Mold and Die Products, International Journal Of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. Springer, 2010. |
| Huang G.Q., Zhang Y. and Qu T., Guest editor in the DET09 Special Issue on "International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing", In: Huang, George Q. Zhang, Y.F. Qu, T., International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing. 2009. |
| Huang G.Q., Qu T. and Zhang Y., Guest editor in the DET2009 Special Issue on "Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing", In: Huang, George Q., Qu, T., Zhang, Y.F., Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing. 2009. |
| Qu T., Luo H., Ho K.W., Qin W. and Lu H., "Certificate of Merit" in Hong Kong RFID Awards U-21 RFID Awards 2009, GS1 Hong Kong. 香港貨品編碼協會, 2009. |
| Qu T., Huang G.Q., Zhang Y. and Dai Q.Y., A Generic Analytical Target Cascading Optimization System For Decentralized Supply Chain Configuration Over Supply Chain Grid, International Journal Of Production Economics. Elsevier, 2009, 127(2): 262-277. |
| Qu T., Huang G.Q., Zhang Y. and Yang H., Analytical Target Cascading For Optimal Configuration of Production Service Systems, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Qu T., Huang G.Q., Cung V.D. and Mangione F., Optimal Configuration Of Assembly Supply Chains Using Analytical Target Cascading, International Journal of Production Research. Taylor & Francis, 2009, Online Published First. |
| Qu T. and Zhang Y., Rfid-enabled Real-time Manufacturing Shop-floor Information Infrastructure For Prd Manufacturers, 面向珠三角製造企業基於RFID的實時車間製造信息平臺, The CIRP-Sponsored International Conference on Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 Dec 2009, Hong Kong.. 2009. |
| Qu T., Bin S., Huang G.Q. and Yang H., Two-Stages Product Platform Development for Mass Customization, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Qu T., Bin S., Huang G.Q. and Yang D., Two-stage Product Platform Development For Mass Customization, International Journal of Production Research. 2010, Online Published First. |
| Song C., Luo H., Qu T., Lu H. and Huang G.Q., A Simulation Approach to Hybrid Flowshop Scheduling Using Dispatching Rules, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Zhang Y., Huang G.Q., Qu T. and Ho K.W., Agent-Based Smart Objects Management System for Real-Time Wireless Manufacturing, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Zhang Y., Huang G.Q., Qu T. and Ho K.W., Agent-based workflow management for RFID-enabled real-time reconfigurable manufacturing, International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing. 2010, 23: 101-112. |
| Zhang Y., Huang G.Q., Jiang P. and Qu T., Implementation of Real-time Shop Floor Manufacturing Using RFID Technologies, Int. Journal of Manufacturing Research. 2009, 5: 74-86. |
| Zhu Q.Q., Jiang P.Y., Huang G.Q. and Qu T., Implementing An Industrial Product-service System For Cnc Machine Tool, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. London, Springer London, 2010, Online Published First. |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| Researcher : Shi Y |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Chu L.K., Ni J., Shi Y. and Xu Y., Inventory Risk mitigation by financial hedging, In: S.I. Ao, C. Douglas, W.S. Grundfest, J. Burgstome, International Conference on Systems Engineering and Engineering Management (ICSEEM'09). International Association of Engineers, 2009, II: 1260-1263. |
| Shi Y., Chu L.K., Ni J. and Ye S.H.I., A portfolio approach to procurement risk management, 6th International Conference on Digital Enterprise Technology, DET 2009. Hong Kong. |
| Researcher : Sun D |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Mak K.L. and Sun D., A new hybrid genetic algorithm and Tabu Search Method for yard cranes scheduling with inter-crane interference, In: S.I. Ao, Len Gelman, David WL Hukins, Andrew Hunter, A.M. Korsunsky, World Congress on Engineering 2009. London, UK, 1: 526-531. |
| Researcher : Tai AHL |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Tai A.H.L., Ching W.K. and Chan P.L.Y., Detection of Machine Failure: Hidden Markov Model Approach, Computers and Industrial Engineering. 2009, 57: 608-619. |
| Researcher : Tsang WWP |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Tsang W.W.P. and Lau H.Y.K., Immune Nnetwork theory based multi-objective optimization algorithm with approximate dominance consideration, 23rd European Conference on Operational Research, Bonn, 5 – 7 July. 2009. |
| Researcher : Wang G |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Wang G., Wong T.N. and Wang X., A MAS framework for the negotiation based operational integration of virtual enterprises, Proceedings SysCon2010 IEEE Systems Conference 2010, April 5-8 2010, San Diego California, USA. 2010, 535-540. |
| Wang G., Wong T.N. and Wang X., A negotiation protocol to support agent argumentation and ontology interoperability in MAS-based virtual enterprises, Proceedings of ITNG2010 Seventh International Conference on Information Technology, 12-14 April 2010, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. 2010, 448-453. |
| Wang G., Wong T.N. and Wang X., A negotiation-based multi-agent system framework for virtual enterprises, 20th International Conference on Production Research, Shanghai, China, August 2-6, 2009. |
| Wang X., Wong T.N. and Wang G., Agent Ontology Interoperability Approach For Mas Negotiations In Virtual Enterprises, Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Agents and Artificial Intelligence, ICAART2010, Valencia, Spain, 22-24 January, 2010.. 2010, 2: 149-154. |
| Wang X., Wong T.N. and Wang G., Ontology assisted multi-agent system negotiations in virtual enterprise, 20th International Conference on Production Research, Shanghai, China, August 2-6, 2009. |
| Researcher : Wang K |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Wang K. and Choi S.H., A decomposition-based algorithm for flexible flow shop scheduling with stochastic processing times (Best Student Paper Award), In: K. Wang and S.H. Choi, International Association of Engineers, The World Congress on Engineering and Computer Science 2009. San Francisco, USA, WCECS 2009, II: 1050-1060. |
| Wang K. and Choi S.H., Best Student Paper Award - A Decomposition-Based Algorithm for Flexible Flow Shop Scheduling with Stochastic Processing Times, International Association of Engineers - the World Congress on Engineering and Computer Science. USA, International Association of Engineers, 2009, 2009: 1055-1060. |
| Wang K. and Choi S.H., Decomposition-Based Scheduling for Makespan Minimisation of Flexible Flow Shop with Stochastic Processing Times, Engineering Letters. USA, 2010, 18:1: EL_18_1_09. |
| Researcher : Wang X |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Wang G., Wong T.N. and Wang X., A MAS framework for the negotiation based operational integration of virtual enterprises, Proceedings SysCon2010 IEEE Systems Conference 2010, April 5-8 2010, San Diego California, USA. 2010, 535-540. |
| Wang G., Wong T.N. and Wang X., A negotiation protocol to support agent argumentation and ontology interoperability in MAS-based virtual enterprises, Proceedings of ITNG2010 Seventh International Conference on Information Technology, 12-14 April 2010, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. 2010, 448-453. |
| Wang G., Wong T.N. and Wang X., A negotiation-based multi-agent system framework for virtual enterprises, 20th International Conference on Production Research, Shanghai, China, August 2-6, 2009. |
| Wang X., Wong T.N. and Wang G., Agent Ontology Interoperability Approach For Mas Negotiations In Virtual Enterprises, Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Agents and Artificial Intelligence, ICAART2010, Valencia, Spain, 22-24 January, 2010.. 2010, 2: 149-154. |
| Wang X., Wong T.N. and Wang G., Ontology assisted multi-agent system negotiations in virtual enterprise, 20th International Conference on Production Research, Shanghai, China, August 2-6, 2009. |
| 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. |
| Researcher : Wong TN |
| Project Title: | Integration of intelligent agents and auto-ID in manufacturing control |
| Investigator(s): | Wong TN |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Small Project Funding |
| Start Date: | 01/2009 |
| Abstract: |
| The aim of this research is to study the integration of intelligent agents and Auto-ID (automatic identification) technologies in manufacturing control. The project involves the following sub-objectives: To evaluate the applications of Auto-ID technologies (including RFID and bar code) in manufacturing control. This involves the establishment of the hardware and software interfaces to enable production and process data to be recorded and written in the Auto-ID devices. To evaluate the feasibility of integrating the Auto-ID devices in a multi-agent based manufacturing control system. A multi-agent system (MAS) will be established to support dynamic shopfloor task allocation in a manufacturing cell. Auto-ID devices will host the required part and process information. To establish a simulator to simulate the proposed agent-based architecture. A hardware simulator will be built to represent the manufacturing environment which comprises machines and material handling devices. The system will be linked to the MAS-based control architecture. |
| Project Title: | 20th International Conference on Production Research (ICPR20) A NEGOTIATION-BASED MULTI-AGENT SYSTEM FRAMEWORK FOR VIRTUAL ENTERPRISES |
| Investigator(s): | Wong TN |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | URC/CRCG - Conference Grants for Teaching Staff |
| Start Date: | 08/2009 |
| Completion Date: | 08/2009 |
| Abstract: |
| N/A |
| Project Title: | A multi-agent approach for dynamic process planning and scheduling using an ant algorithm |
| Investigator(s): | Wong TN, Mak KL |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | General Research Fund (GRF) |
| Start Date: | 01/2010 |
| Abstract: |
| 1) The main objective of this project is to develop and evaluate the application of a multi-agent system with an ant algorithm to establish dynamic process planning and jobshop scheduling. Specifically, the sub-objectives are: (a.)To develop a multi-agent system (MAS) framework to cope with the planning and control requirements in the jobshop type of manufacturing environments. The MAS is required to support the implementation of ant algorithms for the dynamic generation of process plans and shop schedule; 3) b. To establish the ant algorithm to carry out integrated process planning and scheduling; 4) Although the scope of this project is on the dynamic process planning and scheduling, it is the ultimate goal to extend the MAS to support real-time process planning, scheduling, control and rescheduling problems, to cater for the uncertainties and flexibility requirements of modern manufacturing systems. Finally, The MAS architecture and the ant algorithm approach proposed in this research can be further developed for other resource planning and task allocation functions in manufacturing and supply chain management. |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Wang G., Wong T.N. and Wang X., A MAS framework for the negotiation based operational integration of virtual enterprises, Proceedings SysCon2010 IEEE Systems Conference 2010, April 5-8 2010, San Diego California, USA. 2010, 535-540. |
| Wang G., Wong T.N. and Wang X., A negotiation protocol to support agent argumentation and ontology interoperability in MAS-based virtual enterprises, Proceedings of ITNG2010 Seventh International Conference on Information Technology, 12-14 April 2010, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. 2010, 448-453. |
| Wang G., Wong T.N. and Wang X., A negotiation-based multi-agent system framework for virtual enterprises, 20th International Conference on Production Research, Shanghai, China, August 2-6, 2009. |
| Wang X., Wong T.N. and Wang G., Agent Ontology Interoperability Approach For Mas Negotiations In Virtual Enterprises, Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Agents and Artificial Intelligence, ICAART2010, Valencia, Spain, 22-24 January, 2010.. 2010, 2: 149-154. |
| Wang X., Wong T.N. and Wang G., Ontology assisted multi-agent system negotiations in virtual enterprise, 20th International Conference on Production Research, Shanghai, China, August 2-6, 2009. |
| Wong T.N. and Fang F., A Multi-agent Protocol for Multilateral Negotiations in Supply Chain Management, International Journal of Producion Research. 2010, 48: 271-299. |
| Researcher : Wong YCE |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Wong Y.C.E. and Lau H.Y.K., Advancement in the twentieth century in artificial immune systems for optimization: review and future outlook, IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics (SMC2009), San Antonio, Texas, 11 – 14 October. 2009. |
| Wong Y.C.E., Lau H.Y.K. and Mak K.L., Immunity-based evolutionary algorithm for optimal global container repositioning in liner shipping, International Journal of OR Spectrum. 2010, 32: 739 - 763. |
| Researcher : Xu Y |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Chu L.K., Ni J., Shi Y. and Xu Y., Inventory Risk mitigation by financial hedging, In: S.I. Ao, C. Douglas, W.S. Grundfest, J. Burgstome, International Conference on Systems Engineering and Engineering Management (ICSEEM'09). International Association of Engineers, 2009, II: 1260-1263. |
| Researcher : Yang D |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Qu T., Bin S., Huang G.Q. and Yang D., Two-stage Product Platform Development For Mass Customization, International Journal of Production Research. 2010, Online Published First. |
| Researcher : Yang H |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Huang G.Q., Qu T., Zhong R., Li Z., Yang H., Zhang Y., Chen Q.X., Jiang P.Y. and Chen X., Establishing Production Service System and Information Collaboration Platform for Mold and Die Products, International Journal Of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. Springer, 2010. |
| Qu T., Huang G.Q., Zhang Y. and Yang H., Analytical Target Cascading For Optimal Configuration of Production Service Systems, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Qu T., Bin S., Huang G.Q. and Yang H., Two-Stages Product Platform Development for Mass Customization, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Researcher : Yiu CKF |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Lu Y., Lau H.Y.K. and Yiu C.K.F., A Hybrid Solution to Collaborative Decision-making in a Decentralized Supply-Chain, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management . 2010. |
| Researcher : Zhang A |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Zhang A. and Huang G.Q., A Mixed Integer Programming Model to Evaluate the Impact of Business Factors on Global Manufacturing Relocation Decisions , CIE39 - International Conference on Computers & Industrial Engineering. 2009. |
| Zhang A. and Huang G.Q., A mixed integer programming model to evaluate the impact of business factors on global manufacturing relocation decisions, Proceedings of 39th International Conference on Computers & Industrial Engineering, Troyes, France. IEEE, 2009, 390-395. |
| Zhang A. and Huang G.Q., Scenario analysis for Hong Kong port development under changing business environment, In: E. P. Chew, L. H. Lee and L. C. Tang, Advances in Maritime Logistics and Supply Chain Systems. 2010. |
| Zhang A., Wireless communication technology enabled information system applications to mistake-proof a logistics process, Proceedings of the 6th International Conference of Digital Enterprise Technology (DET2009), Hong Kong. Springer, 2009, 1277-1289. |
| Researcher : Zhang L |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Mak K.L. and Zhang L., Simultaneous scheduling of import and export containers handling in container terminals, In: S.I. Ao, Len Gelman, David WL Hukins, Andrew Hunter, A.M. Korsunsky, World Congress on Engineering 2009. London, UK, 1: 604-609. |
| Researcher : Zhang Y |
| Project Title: | Real-Time Critical Event Management System for Production Regulatory Supervision |
| Investigator(s): | Zhang Y, Huang GQ |
| Department: | Industrial & Mfg Sys Engg |
| Source(s) of Funding: | Small Project Funding |
| Start Date: | 12/2009 |
| Abstract: |
| Critical Event Management System (CEMS) facilitates the effective quality control and accident tracing back in product manufacturing and logistics processes and is thus important for production and logistics regulation. Although CEMS becomes more and more important in Business Event Management (BEM) of the event-driven real-time enterprise, the following technical challenges have also been identified: (1) How to establish a re-usable critical event management system infrastructure Different manufacturing companies may have totally different structures of their manufacturing hierarchies, i.e. the combination of workshops and production lines, and therefore the way of managing their RFID events may be much different. How to establish a reusable CEMS infrastructure to extract interested primitive events from various layouts and transfer them to appropriate complex event issue a great challenge. (2) How to set up a definable and reconfigurable critical event model The definition of a critical event is essentially difficult because of the dynamics of manufacturing environment. How to provide a general model and user-friendly facility to enable the easy definition and reconfiguration of critical event have issued another challenge. (3) How to realize critical event level traceability To realize the traceability of a production process is very important to manufacturing industry. However, it is very difficult to establish a traceable relationship between the causal, spatial and temporal events and thus the complex and distributed workflows. Due to the above technological challenges, this project aims to: (1) To develop a definable and reconfigurable CEMS framework for manufacturing enterprises to realize real-time process monitor and regulatory. (2) To develop a set of tools for representative users to define, execute, track and trace critical event based on distributed primitive event so as to support the decision making of management level. The developed tools including: (2.1) Unified representation model for critical event types and the corresponding operation workflows (2.2) Critical event edition and conversion tool with graphical facilities (2.3) Critical event execution tool with automatic data match and analysis capability (2.4) Critical event tracking and tracing tool (3) To develop good-practice guidelines for the deployment and development of CEMS solutions for monitoring, tracing and regulatory applications through a production regulatory demonstration. The project is expected to improve the decision making ability of manufacturing companies and increase their sensitivity to markets, and enhance the monitoring strength of regulation department on the production and logistics processes of critical products. |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Fang J., Huang G.Q., Zhang Y. and Qu T., Critical Event Processing and Its Regulatory Application, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Huang G.Q., Qu T., Zhong R., Li Z., Yang H., Zhang Y., Chen Q.X., Jiang P.Y. and Chen X., Establishing Production Service System and Information Collaboration Platform for Mold and Die Products, International Journal Of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. Springer, 2010. |
| Huang G.Q., Zhang Y. and Qu T., Guest editor in the DET09 Special Issue on "International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing", In: Huang, George Q. Zhang, Y.F. Qu, T., International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing. 2009. |
| Huang G.Q., Qu T. and Zhang Y., Guest editor in the DET2009 Special Issue on "Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing", In: Huang, George Q., Qu, T., Zhang, Y.F., Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing. 2009. |
| Luo H., Huang G.Q., Zhang Y., Dai Q.Y. and Chen X., Two-stage hybrid batching flowshop scheduling with blocking and machine availability constraints using genetic algorithm , Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing. 6, 2009, 25: 962-971. |
| Qu T., Huang G.Q., Zhang Y. and Dai Q.Y., A Generic Analytical Target Cascading Optimization System For Decentralized Supply Chain Configuration Over Supply Chain Grid, International Journal Of Production Economics. Elsevier, 2009, 127(2): 262-277. |
| Qu T., Huang G.Q., Zhang Y. and Yang H., Analytical Target Cascading For Optimal Configuration of Production Service Systems, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Qu T. and Zhang Y., Rfid-enabled Real-time Manufacturing Shop-floor Information Infrastructure For Prd Manufacturers, 面向珠三角製造企業基於RFID的實時車間製造信息平臺, The CIRP-Sponsored International Conference on Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 Dec 2009, Hong Kong.. 2009. |
| Zhang Y., Huang G.Q., Qu T. and Ho K.W., Agent-Based Smart Objects Management System for Real-Time Wireless Manufacturing, The 6th International Conference On Digital Enterprise Technology, 14-16 December 2009, Hong Kong. 2009. |
| Zhang Y., Huang G.Q., Qu T. and Ho K.W., Agent-based workflow management for RFID-enabled real-time reconfigurable manufacturing, International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing. 2010, 23: 101-112. |
| Zhang Y. and Huang G.Q., Best Paper Award, Zhang Y., Jiang P., Huang G.Q., RFID-enabled real-time manufacturing information tracking infrastructure for extended enterprises , DET 2009 International Conference. 2009. |
| Zhang Y., Huang G.Q. and Ngai B., Case-based polishing process planning with Fuzzy Set Theory, Int. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing. 2009, DOI 10.1007/s10845-009-0259-9.. |
| Zhang Y., Huang G.Q., Jiang P. and Qu T., Implementation of Real-time Shop Floor Manufacturing Using RFID Technologies, Int. Journal of Manufacturing Research. 2009, 5: 74-86. |
| Researcher : Zhen L |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Zhen L., Huang G.Q. and Jiang Z.H., An inner-enterprise knowledge recommender system , Expert Systems with Applications. 2009. |
| Researcher : Zhong R |
| List of Research Outputs |
| Huang G.Q., Qu T., Zhong R., Li Z., Yang H., Zhang Y., Chen Q.X., Jiang P.Y. and Chen X., Establishing Production Service System and Information Collaboration Platform for Mold and Die Products, International Journal Of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. Springer, 2010. |