CS 452/652 Spring 2025 - Lecture 21

TC2 Demo Preparation

July 17, 2025 prev next

need exact problem specification, example:
- given a topology, a set of trains, and a list of destinations for each train
  → determine optimal schedule
- but: what is optimal?
  - time to last train at last destination?
  - average trip duration?
  - many other criteria possible
- also: assume error-free operation?
with exact problem specification
- formulate and solve optimization problem - computational complexity
- centralized computation difficult for many real world control problems
- or: design ad-hoc solution accommodate uncertainty (our approach)
our goal is not overall perfection (which is not even properly specified), but:
- build interesting multi-task, real-time application
- model decentralized aspects of real-world system

travel at constant speed level
- can recalibrate velocity estimate
- recommendation: slow down before stopping
travel at specific velocity
- timed adjustment of speed level, verify via sensors
travel in cohort: multiple trains at specific distance
- adjust one or both trains, verify via sensors
travel fast, stop accurately

plan what you are going to do and who will do it
- know what's working, and primarily demo working parts
- explain what does not work
- if necessary, show partial functionality using different programs
- despite your best preparations, things might still go wrong...
increase chances of success
- dry-run the demo
- keep copy of working image