FUZZY ALGORITHM
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 1369 ▶ |
| Object type | Discipline oriented |
- “An ordered sequence of instructions (like a computer program) in which some of the instructions may contain labels of fuzzy sets, e.g.
- Reduce x slightly if y is large
- Increase x very slightly if y is not very large and not very small
- If x is small then stop; otherwise increase x by 2“ (L.A. ZADEH, 1973b, p.30).
L.A. ZADEH states: “By allowing an algorithm to contain instructions of this type, it becomes possible to give an approximate fuzzy-algorithmic characterization of a wide variety of complex phenomena… (Ibid).
He adds: “Roughly speaking, a fuzzy algorithm is an ordered set of fuzzy instructions which upon execution yield an approximate solution to a specified problem. In one form or another, fuzzy algorithms pervade much of what we do. Thus we employ fuzzy algorithms, both consciously and subconsciously, when we walk, drive a car, search for an object, tie a knot, park a car, cook a meal, find a number in a telephone directory, etc… Furthermore, there are many instances of uses of what, in effect, are fuzzy algorithms in a wide variety of fields, especially in programming, operations research, psychology, management science, and medical diagnosis.
- “The notion of a fuzzy set and, in particular, the concept of a fuzzy conditional statement provide a basis for using fuzzy algorithms in more systematic and hence more effective ways than was possible in the past” (Ibid, p.38).