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Sunday, February 10, 2008

What Can We Expect From Halo 3

What To Expect With halo 3

When microsoft released a game called halo: Combat Evolved for their xbox console in 2001, no one could have predicted the strong impact that it would have on our culture. With several games made as part of the series now as well as novels, comics, and other associated merchandise, the halo series is one of the biggest successes for the xbox console. Now, in 2007, the latest release in the series, halo 3, is due for release in September. What can we expect from halo 3? Lets take a look at what will come with this new game:

Improved Graphics

As the title that can perhaps be considered the flagship of the xbox systems, halo 3 has a lot to live up to in the graphics department. However, halo 3 is a release for the new xbox 360 system, so it should boast even better graphics, thanks to a new graphics engine designed by Bungee Studios, the creators of the halo series. Improvements include increased draw distance, which will simulate being able to see as far as over 10 miles, and increased realism in the graphics, such as better rendering of water reflection and refraction.

Better sound

The xbox 360 is capable of putting out 5.1 surround sound audio, and halo 3 will make use of this technology, which should result in a more cinematic experience. Care has been taken to make the sound more realistic, with improved sound effects for gunfire and AI controlling the dialogue in the game to make dialogues flow in a smooth, realistic manner.

Great multiplayer

As with many games in the halo series, halo 3 has a robust multiplayer mode. This includes rankings of players to help ensure that players of comparable skill levels are matched up in competitive matches. In addition, there will be options for customizing the look of your character in multiplayer matches for halo 3. For those who want to analyze their play or just relive their successes, there is a feature to record films of your multiplayer matches for later viewing.

A Conclusion To The Story

The tale spun in the halo series is that of humanity fending off an alien invasion, and halo 3 makes the last installment in a trilogy that tells this story. The improved graphics, sound, and AI all serve to complete the story of the halo series. For those who are interested in finding out what happens within this story, or for those who just want to blow things up, halo 3 promises to satisfy! Look for the release of halo 3 this fall.

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How Do PID Controllers Work: Application & Theory

What is a PID controller?

A PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) controller is a common instrument used in industrial control applications. A PID controller can be used for regulation of speed, temperature, flow, pressure and other process variables. Field mounted PID controllers can be placed close to the sensor or the control regulation device and be monitored centrally using a SCADA system.

Example: Temperature control using a Digital PID controller

A typical PID temperature controller application could be to continuously vary a regulator which can alter a process temperature. This may be a pulsed switching device for electrical heaters or by opening and closing a gas valve. A heat only PID temperature controller uses a reverse output action, i.e. more power is applied when the temperature is below the setpoint and less power when above. PID control for injection and extrusion applications often employ additional cooling control outputs and usually require multiple controllers.

A PID controller (sometimes called a three term controller) reads the sensor signal, normally from a thermocouple or RTD, and converts the measurement to engineering units e.g. Degrees C. It then subtracts the measurement from a desired setpoint to determine an error.

The error is acted upon by the three (P, I & D) terms simultaneously:

PID controller Theory

The following section examines PID controller theory and provides further explanation of the question `how do PID controllers work'.

Proportional (Gain)

The error is multiplied by a negative (for reverse action) proportional constant P, and added to the current output. P represents the band over which a controller's output is proportional to the error of the system. E.g. for a heater, a controller with a proportional band of 10 deg C and a setpoint of 100 deg C would have an output of 100% up to 90 deg C, 50% at 95 Deg C and 10% at 99 deg C. If the temperature overshoots the setpoint value, the heating power would be cut back further. Proportional only control can provide a stable process temperature but there will always be an error between the required setpoint and the actual process temperature.

Integral (Reset)

The error is integrated (averaged) over a period of time, and then multiplied by a constant I, and added to the current control output. I represents the steady state error of the system and will remove setpoint / measured value errors. For many applications Proportional + Integral control will be satisfactory with good stability and at the desired setpoint.

Derivative (Rate)

The rate of change of the error is calculated with respect to time, multiplied by another constant D, and added to the output. The derivative term is used to determine a controller's response to a change or disturbance of the process temperature (e.g. opening an oven door). The larger the derivative term, the more rapidly the controller will respond to changes in the process value.

Tuning of PID controller Terms

The P, I and D terms need to be "tuned" to suit the dynamics of the process being controlled. Any of the terms described above can cause the process to be unstable, or very slow to control, if not correctly set. These days temperature control using digital PID controllers have automatic auto-tune functions. During the auto-tune period the PID controller controls the power to the process and measures the rate of change, overshoot and response time of the plant. This is often based on the Zeigler-Nichols method of calculating controller term values. Once the auto-tune period is completed the P, I & D values are stored and used by the PID controller.

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