APTRONIX
2150 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95131
(408) 428-1888
Fax (408) 428-1884
FuzzyNet (408)428-1883 data 8/N/1
What is Fide?
-------------
Fide (Fuzzy Inference Development Environment) is a complete environment
for the development of fuzzy logic-based systems. Fide provides system
engineers with the most effective fuzzy tools in the industry and runs in
MS-Windows(TM) on 386/486 hardware. The price is $1495 and is available
now from Aptronix and authorized Motorola distributors. The software
package comes with complete documentation on how to develop fuzzy logic
based applications, free telephone support for 90 days and access to
the Aptronix FuzzyNet information exchange.
Fide employs a friendly and useful tool for each level of debugging,
including data tracing, analysis and simulation. These tools present the
inference unit's behavior from the perspective of the user and enable
interactive debugging of the fuzzy model and the inference process. If
the inference unit does not perform as expected, these tools lead the user
to the bug location in the source code. Engineers will feel comfortable
developing applications with Fide because the interaction of the tools
follow a traditional programming approach of design, simulation and
analysis.
Specify the fuzzy inference system effectively
----------------------------------------------
Fide is based on a language called FIL (Fuzzy Inference Language). Because
FIL is a non-sequential language with English-like statements, using FIL
is very easy. Although simple to learn, FIL incorporates the most
efficient inference methods and a rich variety of logic operators for
different applications. FIL also provides optimized flexibility for
membership function representation and the data types required by separate
target processors.
Take advantage of an open architecture that offers easy compatibility
----------------------------------------------------------------------
For the first time, a complete standard for fuzzy systems is combined into
one unit called FSSE, Aptronix's fuzzy system standard environment. In
order to provide the user with an open architecture environment, Aptronix
has made FSSE available to the public. FSSE consists of data formats for
membership functions, inference rules, inference units and other fuzzy
inference parameters.
Simulation instead of fabrication
---------------------------------
Testing a system is usually expensive, time consuming and sometimes
impossible. With Fide engineers can design, simulate and perfect an
entire dynamic system, including hardware, before building anything.
Engineers can perfect designs and examine trade-offs while avoiding costly
errors in the fabrication or assembly stages of construction.
Get the product to market faster
--------------------------------
Fide's integrated tools provide the most efficient environment to debug,
analyze and simulate the behavior of a system. The time from conceptual
design to testing and implementation is reduced dramatically.
HOW TO USE FIDE IN THREE EASY STEPS
-----------------------------------
A fuzzy logic system is based on fuzzy inference units integrated with
non-fuzzy units. Fide is designed to cover the entire spectrum of the
system design process, both at the unit and system level. To design a
fuzzy inference unit, follow these three steps:
STEP #1 - Write the source code.
All source code is written in FIL (the language for fuzzy inference).
Specify the input/output variables, the membership functions associated
with them, and the inference rules with FIL. If the system requires
special logic operators and inference methods, FIL provides the capability
to tailor the source code for specific requirements.
Use the Fide graphic editor to draw a graph of the membership function (as
opposed to using a text editor and FIL to describe a membership
function.) The editor automatically converts the graph into a segment of
code. The Fide compiler translates the source code into the Aptronix
standard data structure.
Step #2 - Debug the code
Fide provides an elegant way to view a unit from multiple perspectives via
three powerful debug tools.
TRACER
A. By using the Fide tracer, designers can set the input
variable to any test value and observe the output
value. If undesired results occur, it is easy to
trace into the details of the inference process, step
by step, and locate the specific location where the
source code can be edited and the bug fixed.
ANALYZER
B. The next debug tool is the Fide analyzer which
displays a global view of the transfer function
response. Here, input/output relationships are
displayed as a three dimensional structure. Advanced,
interactive 3-D graphics let users check the function
in detail, examining the surface from a variety of
perspectives. Aptronix has made an important
advancement in debugging technology by combining the
analyzer and simulator with the tracer. Using a
hot-link to the tracer, engineers can trace the
inference process at any selected point on the surface
-- even to the source level.
SIMULATOR
C. The final debug tool is the Fide simulator. It
runs the unit with input values prepared in an input
value file. The simulator displays curves of the
output values and simulates the unit's dynamic
behavior. Again, a hot-link to the tracer is provided
for immediate access to the source code level
providing unprecedented debugging capability.
Step #3 -- Generate the real-time code.
Once a processor has been selected for implementation,
the corresponding Fide RTC (real-time code) generator
can be used for that chip. If the unit is implemented
in software, the Aptronix run-time library, when
linked into a C program, performs the fuzzy inference
computation.
System integration with Fide using Composer
-------------------------------------------
There is a unique way of graphically simulating and testing a system
of fuzzy inference units and application specific code with Aptronix
Composer. When using the Composer, a system is regarded as an open or
closed loop consisting of units connected with data transfer
channels. In addition to fuzzy inference units, users can integrate
other software modules, such as operation units (performing
mathematical operations) and/or execution units (describing prepared
software modules).
COMPOSER
Source code can be written or drawn using the graphical
editor. The system integration language, called FCL
(Fide Composer Language) has textual and graphical
representations. In its graphical representation, a
system is described by drawing a chart of data flow
paths between units. In its textual representation, a
system is described by listing the units and the data
transferred between them.
The Composer textual editor and Composer graphical
editor are used to design and modify the system and a
built-in converter can change one representation to
the other. To test the system, the data flow viewer
or the dynamic simulator is used.
The data flow viewer allows testing of the unit by
setting input values and observing the details of data
flow in the system. If a fuzzy inference
unit is found to have an undesired response, a
hot-link automatically takes the user to the tracer.
The dynamic simulator analyzes the dynamic behavior of
the system. The user initializes the system with any
values, sets terminating conditions and then lets the
system run automatically. When the terminating
conditions are met, the values of all selected
input/output variables are displayed as time-value
graphs.
Applications
------------
Fuzzy logic can improve system performance and reduce design time and cost
in a wide range of applications. Such as:
Automotive
In order to improve quality, performance, and shorten development cycles,
major automotive manufacturers are now using fuzzy technology. Typical
applications include fuzzy engine control, fuzzy cruise control, fuzzy
anti-lock braking systems and fuzzy transmission systems.
Aerospace
The aerospace industry requires real-time high-performance systems that
present difficult problems for engineers. Fuzzy technology proves new and
useful methods of approaching design of these challenging systems.
Appliances
Fuzzy technology simplifies the product design and development cycle,
lowers production costs, and improves product performance. Many consumer
manufacturers have been quick to implement fuzzy technology into new
products such as washing machines, air conditioners, cameras, VCRs and
televisions.
Chemical
The complexity of system modeling is a very difficult problem in the
chemical industry. The descriptive modeling feature of fuzzy logic makes
it an idea tool for complex systems design.
General Manufacturers
Fuzzy logic-based real-time diagnosis and control systems are invaluable
for increasing equipment efficiency and diagnosing malfunctions.
Civil Engineering
Traditional system analysis and assessment are based on inexact conceptual
models which may lead to errors in system analysis. Since fuzzy
technology describes the system more accurately, the assurance of systems
analysis is increased.
Finance
Fuzzy systems provide a methodology for modeling the uncertainly in market
trends and risk analysis. Using fuzzy logic, the financial world can
develop models that are more realistic.
Education
Academic institutions can use Fide to reach and perform research in fuzzy
inference-based systems design and related work. Aptronix has close ties
with the research community through it's University Program. Through this
program, Aptronix shares important developments in fuzzy technology with a
future generation of engineers.
APTRONIX COMPANY OVERVIEW
-------------------------
Headquartered in San Jose, California, Aptronix develops and markets fuzzy
logic-based software, systems and development tools for a complete range
of commercial applications. The company was founded in 1989 and has been
responsible for a number of important innovations in fuzzy technology.
Aptronix's product Fide (Fuzzy Inference Development Environment) -- is a
complete environment for the development of fuzzy logic-based systems.
Fide provides system engineers with the most effective fuzzy tools in the
industry and runs in MS-Windows(TM) on 386/486 hardware. The price is
$1495 and is available now from Aptronix and from authorized Motorola
distributors. The software package comes with complete documentation on
how to develop fuzzy logic based applications, free telephone support for
90 days and access to the Aptronix FuzzyNet information exchange.
Aptronix Customer Support Services
----------------------------------
When you contact Aptronix Technical Support, you have direct access to
experience. Each member of the Aptronix Customer Support Group works with
Fide every day. We consult with Aptronix programmers on design and
useability issues, and we work regularly with application engineers who
utilize Fide to build advanced fuzzy logic applications.
Whether you are working on a deadline and need a quick answer, or cannot
find the answer in your manual, call Aptronix Technical Support Services.
We have the experience -- and we have the answers.
Get the Answers - Free For 90 Days
----------------------------------
When you are getting started with Fide, call the experts at Aptronix any
business day. We provide 90 days of free telephone service from the time
you send in your registration card. Our telephone support hours are from
9am - 5pm Pacific Standard Time.
After 90 days, you can continue to access Aptronix Technical Support by
using the Aptronix FuzzyNet BBS, fax or mail. All you need to do is
register your copy of Fide.
Aptronix one year extended support
----------------------------------
For on going support and advice on more advanced uses of Fide, Aptronix
provides its AES - Aptronix Extended Support services. This program
includes the following assistance:
1. Tips and tricks for advanced uses of Fide
2. An analysis of the fuzzy inference units you have designed and
recommendations on how to optimize the performance of your inference
unit(s). Customers will need to send example Fide source code and a
summary of the applications.
3. Advice on how to integrate fuzzy inference units into applications to
improve speed and performance of the overall system.
The price for this service is $550 per year and it includes a 9600 baud
external modem for high speed access to our FuzzyNet electronic BBS
system. Telephone support is also included with this service contract.
As an option, users can purchase this service for $350 without the modem --
although we highly suggest using a modem for access to our FuzzyNet
system.
Customer engineering solution services
--------------------------------------
Aptronix also provides Customer Engineering Services for a complete
solution to your application. Aptronix engineers can design your
turn-key system and share our experience and expertise in fuzzy logic.
Through Aptronix, you get the best solution for your application so you
will create better products faster. This service is individually
negotiated based on the scope of the project and requires a detailed
description of your application. Please call (408) 428-1888 for more
information.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
----------------------
What is fuzzy logic?
Fuzzy logic is a powerful problem-solving methodology with a myriad of
applications in embedded control and information processing. Fuzzy logic
provides a remarkably simple way to draw definite conclusions from vague,
ambiguous or imprecise information. In a sense, fuzzy logic resembles
human decision making with its ability to work from approximate data and
find precise solutions.
Fuzzy logic is based on fuzzy set theory. Unlike traditional " either/or"
set theory, fuzzy logic does not impose rigid classifications such as true
or false, black and white, 0 or 1, etc. Membership in fuzzy sets is a
continuous phenomenon, with values ranging from 0 to 1. This allows
programmers to model vague and subjective concepts such as "very hot,"
"bright red," and "a long time".
Why Use Fuzzy logic?
Using fuzzy logic, system designers can realize lower development costs,
superior features, and better end product performance. Most importantly,
products can be brought to market faster and more cost-effectively.
Several factors make fuzzy logic desirable to the system designer.
1. Describe and model solutions to a problem without having to use complex
mathematical models for systems and development.
2. Optimize a known solution in order to obtain a simpler and more
effective implementation.
3. Simplify the system design process, thereby decreasing development
costs.
4. Make the system more descriptive. A system is more convenient to
manage, maintain, upgrade and is easier to differentiate with less
risk.
5. Have a higher fault-tolerance and a better trade-off between system
robustness and system sensitivity.
6. Provide products with powerful features and performance within a price
range unmatched by other solutions.
For Further Information Contact:
APTRONIX
2150 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95131
(408) 428-1888
Fax (408)-428-1884
FuzzyNet (408)428-1883 data 8/N/1
July 92