Date of Award

Summer 1998

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Engineering (DEng)

Department

Electrical Engineering

First Advisor

Mickey D. Cox

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to determine the usefulness of fuzzy logic and fuzzy control when applied to a commercial appliance. Fuzzy logic is a structured, model-free estimator that approximates a function through linguistic input/output associations. Fuzzy rule-based systems apply these methods to solve many types of "real-world" problems, especially where a system is difficult to model, is controlled by a human operator or expert, or where ambiguity or vagueness is common.

This dissertation presents fuzzy sets, fuzzy systems, and fuzzy control, with an example conveying the use of fuzzy control of a consumer product and an overview of fuzzy logic in the field of artificial intelligence. Ultimately, it demonstrates that the use of fuzzy systems makes a viable addition to the field of artificial intelligence and, perhaps, more generally to the application of other consumer products to reduce energy consumption and increase the ease of operation.

Topics such as classical logic, set theory, fuzzy set theory, and fuzzy mathematics are developed in this research to provide a foundation in fuzzy logic. Fuzzy logic is an excellent development of a basic home appliance to provide a powerful and user-friendly device. Fuzzy logic allows an engineer without a great knowledge of control systems and mathematical modeling a viable alternative in product creation. The fuzzy logic toolbox of the program MATLAB$\sp{\rm TM}$ developed by The Mathworks Corporation is used to build and test the fuzzy logic systems explored by this dissertation.

Again, in this dissertation the concept of fuzzy logic shall be explored in detail. Background and theoretical information shall be derived to provide a good base for applications. Classical logic, crisp sets, fuzzy sets, and operations on fuzzy sets are explained in order to cover a wide spectrum of applications. The focus or cumulating point will be to apply the fuzzy logic principle to any type of consumer appliance (such as a washing machine). The use of fuzzy logic will allow many household goods to be manufactured more quickly and with more options, and be energy efficient, user friendly, and cost effective.

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