Eusflat2007 - Fuzzy Logic

european blog for fuzzy logic and technology

Copyright (c) 2007 Dean Barnard

Computer programming is at the core of any computer operation. Unlike usual electro mechanical devices, a computer requires software to carry out instructions. At the lowest level, machine code is used to control the hardware and operations of a computer. The machine language is a set of zeros and ones and rather tedious to handle. Therefore the instructions are coded in a higher level language called a computer program. The conversion of a higher level language into a machine code is carried out by assembly level languages or assemblers. The transformation is completed without any human interface.

During the initial days when computer programs were still at a nascent stage of development, languages such as COBOL and BASIC were highly popular. As the computing power of computers increased ,the demand for more efficient programs emerged. The third generation programs had better portability and efficiency compared to the earlier generations. The need to handle enormous amount of data gave rise to specialized software called database management software or more specifically relational database management software. Companies like Oracle, IBM and Microsoft have developed their own version of RDBMS. On the processing front ,Mainframes were using COLOL for business applications and FORTRAN ( Formula Translation ) for scientific applications.

The concept of modularity became popular when hundreds of software programmers worked simultaneously on a single large project. Object oriented programs like C++ gathered popularity. The code used in these higher level languages was reusable and the techniques could provide for better efficiency.

Microsoft meanwhile brought out its own operating system which could be used on personal computers. In a matter of years the Windows OS became a unprecedented success. The OS2 operating system used by Apple computers was relegated to a second position. IBM has been providing other system software but none could reach the popularity levels of Windows. The only problem with Windows is the issue of security breaches. Though Microsoft has been striving hard to plug the security holes, it has not been entirely successful.

Modern computer programs strive more and more to behave like human language. Technologists believe that a day would come when one could program a computer by given verbal instructions. Surely that’s not going to happen in a hurry. Artificial intelligence, expert systems, fuzzy logic and many more state of the art technologies are changing the face of programming.

Computers unlike any other machine require a software program to operate. It speaks in machine language which is gibberish to the human mind. Higher level languages are used to translate recognizable instructions into machine language. As we progress, the higher level languages would resemble human languages.

At the beginning of the computer era, a single program used to execute different functions. Today, specialized programs are tailor made for different applications. Complex programs require many programmers to work simultaneously on a single project. Modular languages are well suited for such large projects. Object oriented programming has become popular due to their modularity and ease of use.



By: Dean Barnard

About the Author:

Bradley

The bestselling barcode scanners provide users with high quality in terms of functionality and ease of use.

Handheld barcode scanners are operated in a wireless network. Barcode scanners are generally an essential gadget for the growing and modernized point-of-sale. The following is a list of the best selling barcode scanners in the market today:

Symbol Technologies offers a range of products for integrated-specific data management system.

• Symbol LS 3408FZ, LS 3408 Series Scanners $395- $570 - LS 3408

This series is excellent for industrial applications that use fuzzy logic technology. Its versatility can interpret damaged and even poor one-dimensional barcode print-outs. Scanner housings are rugged, can withstand up to 6.5 feet drops repeatedly towards concrete. It is also set to IP65 standards.

• Symbol M2007 Cyclone Scanners $453.60

The Cyclone scanner instantly decodes new and upcoming barcode symbols. It can handle all sorts of large, single or multiple barcode types. The scanner features a sleek design with easy to use and user-selectable scan patterns. The M2007 scanner stands-out at any point-of-sale store. This is due to its good-looking features, futuristic benefits and practicality.

• Symbol P460 Scanners $625.20

P460 Scanners feature a memory keypad display which is ideal in the retail-industry such as department stores. It was designed ergonomically having switches from data scanning to data management. It also features a hands-free presentation.

The P460 is good in scanning small items, especially during inventory counts on loading ducks. This scanner can either be corded or cordless. It includes a 20 character display, standard 17 key keypad, 2 line, 4MB flash, Link-Lite software, order cradle, power supply, cradle-to-host cable and product guide.

Metrologic Instruments, Inc. manufactures high-speed automated capture data solutions. This is with the use of holographic, laser and vision-based technology. Metrologic products includes in-counter, fixed projection scanner, hand-held, laser scan engines and cordless devices for remote scanning.

• Metrologic MS 9520 Voyager Scanners

The MS 9520 is the most advanced auto-triggered scanner nowadays. It is enabled for In-stand and Out-stand operations, having a high performance technology. Its packed features come with a replaceable cable for PowerLink and Window-based software. It also has a MetroSelect one code program with configuration utilities. It is very convenient in commercial-warehouse applications and point-of-sale inventories.

• Metrologic ORBIT MS 7120 Scanners $265.60

This is a top performer scanner designed for retail convenience liquor and other specialty stores. It can be hand-held when used during scanning bulky items. Its head can be vertically tilted at 30%, having 20-line patented omni directional scan patterns. This will then result to 1200 scans lines per second. Having user-replaceable cables and easy to configure, the ORBIT MS 7120 meets the standards for multiple applications. Aside from this, its data editing enables encoded information to be engineered, meeting host system requirements.

Hand Held products is tailored uniquely in transportation, distribution, retail, logistics, warehousing and manufacturing.

• Hand Held 4820i Scanners $493.10

The 4820i 2D imager is an exclusive Adaptus Imaging Technology 5.0. It has a wireless connectivity via Bluetooth. It provides leading execution and cordless barcode scanning durability. This enables operators to move quickly and ergonomically, building a favorable cost of ownership.

The 4820i can withstand 6-foot drops or more. It also has a replaceable lithium-ion battery that can read 57,000 per full range. Datalogic products set the industry standard for over 30 years, having their intelligent design and solid reliability.

• Datalogic Magellan 8500 Omega Scanners $2540.40

This device is designed to improve cashier efficiency, speeding checkout and increase security to a range of scanning applications. It features OmegaTek Productivity Technology with hardware and software innovations so as to improve speed. Aside from this, it also improves reading rates on poor readable barcodes.

• Datalogic PowerScan 8300 Scanners

The PowerScan 8300 is a top rated handheld industrial laser barcode reader today. This can either be corded or cordless. It also features high performance for rugged use. This scanner has a good reading feedback feature and a chemical resistant housing cable.

Barcode scanners (readers) are electronic devices that are capable of translating optical impulses to electrical ones. It has a light source, lens and a photo conductor that contains decoder circuitry. This, in turn, analyzes image data and sends the content to the output port.

There are different types of barcode scanners. This includes the following:

• Pen type readers

• Semi-automatic handled readers

• Fix amount for automatic reading

• And Reader gates for automatic scanning and Laser scanners.

Handheld barcode scanners are operated in a wireless network. Although there are configurations that limit the operation of the device, this is mainly from its battery. Barcode data can also be transferred to the host computer, for processing. This is via the connector.

Barcode scanners are generally an essential gadget for the growing and modernized point-of-sale. This is also vital in warehousing applications. High quality scanners produce high quality result.



By: Jayesh Bagde

About the Author:

Valerie

Copyright (c) 2007 Dean Barnard

The general perception of information technology and computers in particular has been that of a computing mechanism primarily used to manipulate data and present it in various ways. The comparison with human intelligence has been rather tenuous and in the realm of science fiction. It may therefore come as a surprise to many that scientists and engineers have been working on systems which may replicate organic intelligence in future. In fact, many algorithms and software have already been designed to mimic real intelligence.

Artificial intelligence has found widespread use in biometrics. Fingerprint readers are commonplace and are extensively deployed in access control systems. Face and iris recognition have lately become popular security devices.

Expert systems are a branch of artificial intelligence where computers are used to play the role of experts. They are also known as decision support systems and were first deployed by the military. They are used to help military commanders to take tactical decisions under battle conditions. Sometimes the amount of processing and calculations on the field can best be solved by expert systems. As the name suggests, state of the art technology can at present only help in assisting people in taking decisions. However, researchers in this field are confident in creating expert systems which will completely replace human interface.

Robotics is another exciting area under the umbrella of artificial intelligence. As of now, robots are assisting humans in automating factory operations. Computer aided design and computer aided manufacture are already crafting complex mechanical devices with high accuracy. Robots are also used in mines and restricted places for operations which are dangerous for human beings. They are also used in conducting delicate surgeries in hospitals.

Other terms which are associated with artificial intelligence are neural network and fuzzy logic. Neural networks as the name suggests is a type of system which is designed to replicate human decision process. The tree like structure with different path in the decision process forms the units of a neural network. It is evident that neural networks are essentially hierarchical and follow a definite pattern.

As against a rule based approach, fuzzy logic claims a more exalted place in the pantheons of artificial intelligence. Some scientists believe that human intelligence is not pure logic and has an enormous amount of fuzziness. Two people under similar circumstances may very well behave in different fashion. They therefore conclude that true intelligence is actually fuzzy. However in practice, it is not easy to mathematically model fuzziness. Probability and random number theory have assumed importance and these concepts are used widely in designing systems with fuzzy logic.

The subset of artificial intelligence consists of Expert systems with decision support systems and Robotics. These are implemented with neural networks or fuzzy logic. Human brain is too complex and the logic widely dispersed, to be replicated in its entirety. Therefore those mechanical activities which do not require much logic and are hierarchical in nature are best suited for present day applications .A day will certainly come when human intelligence is fully replicated by artificial means, though it may not happen in the immediate future.



By: Dean Barnard

About the Author:

Debbie