Ka Ching Chan | La Trobe University (original) (raw)
Papers by Ka Ching Chan
—This paper describes the curriculum of the three year IT undergraduate program at La Trobe Unive... more —This paper describes the curriculum of the three year IT undergraduate program at La Trobe University, and the faculty requirements in designing a capstone subject, followed by the ACM's recommended IT curriculum covering the five pillars of the IT discipline. Cloud robotics, a broad multidisciplinary research area, requiring expertise in all five pillars with mechatronics, is an ideal candidate to offer capstone experiences to IT students. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a long term master project in developing a cloud robotics testbed, with many capstone sub-projects spanning across the five IT pillars, to meet the objectives of capstone experience. This paper also describes the design and implementation of the testbed, and proposes potential capstone projects for students with different interests.
International Journal of Innovative Computing, Information and Control, Aug 2015
Markov chain has been a popular approach for market share modelling and forecasting in many indus... more Markov chain has been a popular approach for market share modelling and forecasting in many industries. This paper presents four mathematical models for the same market share problem based on different underlying assumptions. The four models include a homogeneous Markov model, a time-varying Markov model, a new extended time-varying Markov model, and a novel non-Markov model. A numerical example in the telecommunications industry is included to illustrate that all four models can be used for market share forecasting. Although Markov models are popular, forecasters should be cautious in choosing Markov or the alternative models for their problems in hand. In order to achieve the best forecasting results, forecasters should have in-depth understanding of the industries, market conditions, and trends, then make appropriate assumptions, and apply or even develop the most suitable models.
It has been diffi cult to access projections of global-scale climate change with high temporal re... more It has been diffi cult to access projections of global-scale climate change with high temporal resolution spaning the late
Pleistocene and Holocene. Th is has limited our ability to discern how climate fl uctuations have aff ected species ’ range
dynamics and extinction processes, turn-over in ecological communities and changes in genetic diversity. PaleoView is a
new freeware tool, which provides a comprehensive but easy-to-use way to generate and view paleoclimate data at temporal
and spatial resolutions suitable for detecting biotic responses to major climate shifts since the last glacial maximum.
Regional to global scale simulations of temperature, precipitation, humidity and mean sea level pressure can be generated
from PaleoView as gridded or time series data at time intervals as short as a decade for any period during the last 21 000 yr.
Th ey can be viewed using a built-in geographical user interface or saved as data fi les. Modelled climate reconstructions
are based on daily simulation output from the Community Climate System Model ver. 3 (CCSM3). Th is global coupled
atmosphere – ocean – sea ice – land general circulation model accurately reproduces major climatic features associated with
the most recent deglaciation event, and predicts present-day patterns of climate conditions with verifi ed hindcast skill. By
providing a portal for readily accessing climate reconstructions at high temporal resolutions, PaleoView can help to better
establish the consequences of past climate fl uctuations on macro-ecological patterns of biological and genetic diversity.
Proceedings, The 8th International Conference on Information Technology and Applications (ICITA 2013)
This paper presents the design and development of a Linux based service platform for a wholesale ... more This paper presents the design and development of a Linux based service platform for a wholesale service provider, which provides a web callback or click-to-call service to retail service providers. A web callback service, in its simplest form, provides a button on a website that allows users to enter their telephone numbers, and receive callback calls from the call center operators. Web callback services are usually premium voice services that enable customers to make contacts by voice, from anywhere in the world, at no cost. Similar to the traditional toll free telephone service, the full cost of a web callback is paid by the website owner. This paper describes the design of such a commercial grade platform, including hardware requirement, database design, Voice over IP (VoIP) application development, voice infrastructure for interconnection with upstream providers via ISDN PRI, VoIP for worldwide termination, and APIs (application programming interface) for interconnection with multiple retail providers.
It's My Maths: Personalised mathematics learning, Dec 2012
Markov chains are mathematical models that use concepts from probability to describe how a system... more Markov chains are mathematical models that use concepts from probability to describe how a system changes from one state to another. The basic ideas were developed by the Russian mathematician A. A. Markov about 100 years ago. These days, Markov chains arise in Year 12 mathematics. This paper offers a brief introduction to Markov chains. A notable feature is a selection of applications that show how these models are useful in applied mathematics.
In this paper the application of genetic algorithms (GAs) to the fixture configuration optimisati... more In this paper the application of genetic algorithms (GAs) to the fixture configuration optimisation problem is presented. A general purpose fixturing verification system has been developed to check the validity of individual fixture configurations by analysing various contact types in the workpiece-f~ture system. Based on the information provided by the verification system, a genetic algorithm based aplxoach carries out the evaluation process to detezmine the most statically stable fixture configuration among a large number of candidates. The preliminary implementation is introduced to demonstrate the ability of GAs and two different coding schemes are tested to explain their influence on the performance of GAs.
This paper presents the frst phase of our ongoing development of a computer numerical control (CN... more This paper presents the frst phase of our ongoing development of a computer numerical control (CNC) modular fixture involving the machine design of a standard multifinger module. The aim is to develop a modular fixture which consists of only one type of standard multifinger CNC module which can provide locating, supporting and clamping functions. The module consists of four fingers with eight degrees of freedom to conform to any arbitrary workpiece surfaces. The eight motions of the four fingers are controlled by one motor through the use of two transmission and clutch systems. Different fixture layouts or reconfigurations can be made by different combinations of a multiplicity of such modules for major product family changes; while adjustments" to finger positions of individual modules can be made by direct computer numerical control for minor product changes within a product family. The machine design and operation of the module are presented in the paper. A prototype was built and tested and satisfactory performance was achieved. Finally, two examples are provided to illustrate the flexibility and use of the standard multifinger module.
This paper presents an adaptive fuzzy learning algorithm for non-linear system identification. Th... more This paper presents an adaptive fuzzy learning algorithm for non-linear system identification. The algorithm is based on a concept called a "virtual fuzzy set". The concept provides a new representation for the consequent part of a fuzzy production rule. A virtual fuzzy set, which consists of two consecutive fuzzy sets with different degrees of membership, is an imaginary fuzzy set located at a location most appropriate for a numerical training data point. The aim of virtual fuzzy set is to increase the system accuracy, at minimum expense in terms of computer resources. The concept is incorporated into a one-pass build-up adaptive algorithm for non-linear system identification. The results show that better performance can be achieved, compared with traditional fuzzy sets. Two variations of the learning algorithm, using the MAX or SUM of rule degrees, are proposed. The performance of these two approaches in identifying processes with different noise levels is evaluated.
COMPUTERS AND INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING, 1994
The application of genetic algorithms (GAs) to the facilities layout problem is presented in this... more The application of genetic algorithms (GAs) to the facilities layout problem is presented in this paper. Three genetic crossover operators are investigated: PMX (Partially Matched Crossover), OX (Order Crossover) and CX (Cycle Crossover). A large number of numerical experiments were performed in order to evaluate the performance of these operators and to obtain some general guidelines in setting GA parameters for the layout problem. Several case studies on larger plants with fixed location constraints and/or excessive spaces are also presented to illustrate the ability of GAs in solving the facilities layout problem.
COMPUTERS AND INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING, 1996
In this paper the application of genetic algorithms (GAs) to the fixture configuration optimisati... more In this paper the application of genetic algorithms (GAs) to the fixture configuration optimisation problem is presented. A general purpose fixturing verification system has been developed to check the validity of individual fixture configurations by analysing various contact types in the workpiece-f~ture system. Based on the information provided by the verification system, a genetic algorithm based aplxoach carries out the evaluation process to detezmine the most statically stable fixture configuration among a large number of candidates. The preliminary implementation is introduced to demonstrate the ability of GAs and two different coding schemes are tested to explain their influence on the performance of GAs.
Quality Engineering, 1998
This paper presents the use of a Markov decision process (MDP) model to predict changes in market... more This paper presents the use of a Markov decision process (MDP) model to predict changes in market share in the telecommunications industry. In this model, at each decision epoch, or time step, each decision making provider has a set of allowable actions that can be applied with varying levels of intensity. Providers make decisions and apply their actions independently. These combined actions mean that at each decision epoch we use a different transition probability matrix. Consequently, rewards can change depending on the decisions made at each step. The MDP formulation and two numerical examples are included, to illustrate that MDPs are appropriate for modelling competition. Index Terms-Telecommunications, market share analysis, Markov chain, Markov decision process, decision making.
—This paper describes the curriculum of the three year IT undergraduate program at La Trobe Unive... more —This paper describes the curriculum of the three year IT undergraduate program at La Trobe University, and the faculty requirements in designing a capstone subject, followed by the ACM's recommended IT curriculum covering the five pillars of the IT discipline. Cloud robotics, a broad multidisciplinary research area, requiring expertise in all five pillars with mechatronics, is an ideal candidate to offer capstone experiences to IT students. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a long term master project in developing a cloud robotics testbed, with many capstone sub-projects spanning across the five IT pillars, to meet the objectives of capstone experience. This paper also describes the design and implementation of the testbed, and proposes potential capstone projects for students with different interests.
International Journal of Innovative Computing, Information and Control, Aug 2015
Markov chain has been a popular approach for market share modelling and forecasting in many indus... more Markov chain has been a popular approach for market share modelling and forecasting in many industries. This paper presents four mathematical models for the same market share problem based on different underlying assumptions. The four models include a homogeneous Markov model, a time-varying Markov model, a new extended time-varying Markov model, and a novel non-Markov model. A numerical example in the telecommunications industry is included to illustrate that all four models can be used for market share forecasting. Although Markov models are popular, forecasters should be cautious in choosing Markov or the alternative models for their problems in hand. In order to achieve the best forecasting results, forecasters should have in-depth understanding of the industries, market conditions, and trends, then make appropriate assumptions, and apply or even develop the most suitable models.
It has been diffi cult to access projections of global-scale climate change with high temporal re... more It has been diffi cult to access projections of global-scale climate change with high temporal resolution spaning the late
Pleistocene and Holocene. Th is has limited our ability to discern how climate fl uctuations have aff ected species ’ range
dynamics and extinction processes, turn-over in ecological communities and changes in genetic diversity. PaleoView is a
new freeware tool, which provides a comprehensive but easy-to-use way to generate and view paleoclimate data at temporal
and spatial resolutions suitable for detecting biotic responses to major climate shifts since the last glacial maximum.
Regional to global scale simulations of temperature, precipitation, humidity and mean sea level pressure can be generated
from PaleoView as gridded or time series data at time intervals as short as a decade for any period during the last 21 000 yr.
Th ey can be viewed using a built-in geographical user interface or saved as data fi les. Modelled climate reconstructions
are based on daily simulation output from the Community Climate System Model ver. 3 (CCSM3). Th is global coupled
atmosphere – ocean – sea ice – land general circulation model accurately reproduces major climatic features associated with
the most recent deglaciation event, and predicts present-day patterns of climate conditions with verifi ed hindcast skill. By
providing a portal for readily accessing climate reconstructions at high temporal resolutions, PaleoView can help to better
establish the consequences of past climate fl uctuations on macro-ecological patterns of biological and genetic diversity.
Proceedings, The 8th International Conference on Information Technology and Applications (ICITA 2013)
This paper presents the design and development of a Linux based service platform for a wholesale ... more This paper presents the design and development of a Linux based service platform for a wholesale service provider, which provides a web callback or click-to-call service to retail service providers. A web callback service, in its simplest form, provides a button on a website that allows users to enter their telephone numbers, and receive callback calls from the call center operators. Web callback services are usually premium voice services that enable customers to make contacts by voice, from anywhere in the world, at no cost. Similar to the traditional toll free telephone service, the full cost of a web callback is paid by the website owner. This paper describes the design of such a commercial grade platform, including hardware requirement, database design, Voice over IP (VoIP) application development, voice infrastructure for interconnection with upstream providers via ISDN PRI, VoIP for worldwide termination, and APIs (application programming interface) for interconnection with multiple retail providers.
It's My Maths: Personalised mathematics learning, Dec 2012
Markov chains are mathematical models that use concepts from probability to describe how a system... more Markov chains are mathematical models that use concepts from probability to describe how a system changes from one state to another. The basic ideas were developed by the Russian mathematician A. A. Markov about 100 years ago. These days, Markov chains arise in Year 12 mathematics. This paper offers a brief introduction to Markov chains. A notable feature is a selection of applications that show how these models are useful in applied mathematics.
In this paper the application of genetic algorithms (GAs) to the fixture configuration optimisati... more In this paper the application of genetic algorithms (GAs) to the fixture configuration optimisation problem is presented. A general purpose fixturing verification system has been developed to check the validity of individual fixture configurations by analysing various contact types in the workpiece-f~ture system. Based on the information provided by the verification system, a genetic algorithm based aplxoach carries out the evaluation process to detezmine the most statically stable fixture configuration among a large number of candidates. The preliminary implementation is introduced to demonstrate the ability of GAs and two different coding schemes are tested to explain their influence on the performance of GAs.
This paper presents the frst phase of our ongoing development of a computer numerical control (CN... more This paper presents the frst phase of our ongoing development of a computer numerical control (CNC) modular fixture involving the machine design of a standard multifinger module. The aim is to develop a modular fixture which consists of only one type of standard multifinger CNC module which can provide locating, supporting and clamping functions. The module consists of four fingers with eight degrees of freedom to conform to any arbitrary workpiece surfaces. The eight motions of the four fingers are controlled by one motor through the use of two transmission and clutch systems. Different fixture layouts or reconfigurations can be made by different combinations of a multiplicity of such modules for major product family changes; while adjustments" to finger positions of individual modules can be made by direct computer numerical control for minor product changes within a product family. The machine design and operation of the module are presented in the paper. A prototype was built and tested and satisfactory performance was achieved. Finally, two examples are provided to illustrate the flexibility and use of the standard multifinger module.
This paper presents an adaptive fuzzy learning algorithm for non-linear system identification. Th... more This paper presents an adaptive fuzzy learning algorithm for non-linear system identification. The algorithm is based on a concept called a "virtual fuzzy set". The concept provides a new representation for the consequent part of a fuzzy production rule. A virtual fuzzy set, which consists of two consecutive fuzzy sets with different degrees of membership, is an imaginary fuzzy set located at a location most appropriate for a numerical training data point. The aim of virtual fuzzy set is to increase the system accuracy, at minimum expense in terms of computer resources. The concept is incorporated into a one-pass build-up adaptive algorithm for non-linear system identification. The results show that better performance can be achieved, compared with traditional fuzzy sets. Two variations of the learning algorithm, using the MAX or SUM of rule degrees, are proposed. The performance of these two approaches in identifying processes with different noise levels is evaluated.
COMPUTERS AND INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING, 1994
The application of genetic algorithms (GAs) to the facilities layout problem is presented in this... more The application of genetic algorithms (GAs) to the facilities layout problem is presented in this paper. Three genetic crossover operators are investigated: PMX (Partially Matched Crossover), OX (Order Crossover) and CX (Cycle Crossover). A large number of numerical experiments were performed in order to evaluate the performance of these operators and to obtain some general guidelines in setting GA parameters for the layout problem. Several case studies on larger plants with fixed location constraints and/or excessive spaces are also presented to illustrate the ability of GAs in solving the facilities layout problem.
COMPUTERS AND INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING, 1996
In this paper the application of genetic algorithms (GAs) to the fixture configuration optimisati... more In this paper the application of genetic algorithms (GAs) to the fixture configuration optimisation problem is presented. A general purpose fixturing verification system has been developed to check the validity of individual fixture configurations by analysing various contact types in the workpiece-f~ture system. Based on the information provided by the verification system, a genetic algorithm based aplxoach carries out the evaluation process to detezmine the most statically stable fixture configuration among a large number of candidates. The preliminary implementation is introduced to demonstrate the ability of GAs and two different coding schemes are tested to explain their influence on the performance of GAs.
Quality Engineering, 1998
This paper presents the use of a Markov decision process (MDP) model to predict changes in market... more This paper presents the use of a Markov decision process (MDP) model to predict changes in market share in the telecommunications industry. In this model, at each decision epoch, or time step, each decision making provider has a set of allowable actions that can be applied with varying levels of intensity. Providers make decisions and apply their actions independently. These combined actions mean that at each decision epoch we use a different transition probability matrix. Consequently, rewards can change depending on the decisions made at each step. The MDP formulation and two numerical examples are included, to illustrate that MDPs are appropriate for modelling competition. Index Terms-Telecommunications, market share analysis, Markov chain, Markov decision process, decision making.