When choosing a new washing machine, the buyer primarily focuses on the price, size and loading type of the model. An additional, but very important factor influencing the price and subsequent comfortable operation of the device is its functionality. “Smart” cars are equipped with many useful functions; the Fuzzy Logic system is included in this list as the main one. How is this technology useful, and what benefits does it bring to the owner of the washing machine?
History of the technology
Intellowasher and Fuzzy Logic technologies in a washing machine are different names for the same control system for the “brain” of the mechanism, which belongs to Whirlpool.
But regardless of the brand of the washing device and what its control system is called, the quintessence of this control technology comes down to the concept of “fuzzy logic”. It was introduced by specialists in the 60s of the twentieth century in America and was intended for use in programming based on the principle of human thinking.
Fuzzy Logic generates transition values between constant estimates, such as “short - long”, “soft - hard”, “cold - hot” and others. This property gave impetus to its use as the main principle for controlling household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and other devices.
Literature
- Zadeh L.
The concept of a linguistic variable and its application to approximate decision making. - M.: Mir, 1976. - 166 p. - Terano, T., Asai, K., Sugeno, M.
Applied fuzzy systems. - M.: Mir, 1993. - 368 p. - Novak V., Perfilyeva I., Mochkrozh I.
Mathematical Principles of Fuzzy Logic. - Fizmatlit, 2006. - 352 p. — ISBN 0-7923-8595-0. - Rutkowski Leszek.
Artificial neural networks. Theory and practice. - M.: Hotline - Telecom, 2010. - 520 p. — ISBN 978-5-9912-0105-6. - Uskov A. A., Kuzmin A. V. Intelligent control technologies. Artificial neural networks and fuzzy logic. - M.: Hot Line - Telecom, 2004. - 143 p.
- Kruglov V.V. Dli M.I. Golunov R.Yu.
Fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks. M.: Fizmatlit, 2001. 221 p. - Dyakonov V. P., Kruglov V. V.
MATLAB. Mathematical expansion packs. Special reference book. St. Petersburg: Peter, 2001. 480 pp. (there are chapters on fuzzy logic and neural networks). - Dyakonov V.P., Abramenkova I.V., Kruglov V.V.
MATLAB 5 with extension packages. Edited by prof. V. P. Dyakonova. M.: Knowledge, 2001. 880с (there are chapters on fuzzy logic and neural networks). - Dyakonov V. P., Kruglov V. V.
MATLAB 6.5 SP1/7/7 SP1/7 SP2+Simulink 5/6. Artificial intelligence and bioinformatics tools. M.: SOLON-Press, 2006. 456 p. - Rutkovskaya D., Pilinsky M., Rutkovsky L.
Neural networks, genetic algorithms and fuzzy systems: Transl. from Polish by I. D. Rudinsky. M.: Hotline - Telecom, 2004. - 452 p. ISBN 5-93517-103-1 - Shtovba S. D. Design of fuzzy systems using MATLAB. M.: Hotline - Telecom. - 2007. - 288 p.
- Uziel Sandler, Lev Tsitolovsky
Neural Cell Behavior and Fuzzy Logic. Springer, 2008. - 478 p. ISBN 978-0-387-09542-4 - Orlovsky S. A.
Problems of decision making with fuzzy initial information. - M.: Nauka, 1981. - 208 p. — 7600 copies.
Intelligent machine
Fuzzy Logic functions - what are they in practice? A system of built-in sensors and sensors, thanks to which the volume of laundry, the level of contamination of the item, water hardness and many other initial parameters are assessed. These sensors send information to the microprocessor, which, based on the received data, sets the device a program that takes into account the washing duration, degree of heating, powder consumption, amount of rinsing water, spin power, and the operating mode as a whole.
Fuzzy Logic in a washing machine is a system of built-in sensors that will analyze the level of soiling of the laundry, and the device’s microprocessor will calculate the duration of the wash. In addition to the level of contamination, touch sensors will help determine the nature of contamination, fabric composition and water hardness in order to select the optimal, gentle operating mode.
We can say that the technology completely controls the washing machine using several initial parameters. In combination, they make it possible to operate with hundreds of mode options (!), this is what distinguishes an automatic machine with Fuzzy Logic from a simply automatic device. And between it and the semi-automatic model (low-class washing machine) there is an abyss.
"Women's Thinking"
Many experts compare the new technology with the logical thinking of a woman. What is the reason? The fact is that it is not completely clear how the washing machine will react to certain types of things. The final result depends on the touch sensors and the system responsible for recognizing the data.
Imagine that the program has completed the washing process according to a certain algorithm, but this does not mean that the next time, when loading clothes of the same volume and degree of contamination, the machine’s actions will be repeated. The unit, like a woman, will change its decision, and this is the main relationship.
The washing machine will decide on its own which program to use when washing.
Why Fuzzy Logic technology is often compared to female logic
To grasp the similarity between fuzzy logic and a woman’s behavior, it is necessary to reconstruct to the smallest detail the process of her creating any dish in the kitchen. For example, when preparing dough, an experienced housewife will never immediately take the amount of flour exactly according to the recipe, because she understands perfectly well that the optimal volume depends on many circumstances. The woman will take as much product as needed to obtain the desired thickness of the dough, adding flour several more times during kneading if necessary to achieve a better result. The same principle is at the forefront of the Fuzzy Logic function. What is this then, if not female logic?
Notes
- V. V. Kruglov, M. I. Dli, R. Yu. Golunov. Fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks. - M.: Fizmatlit, 2000. - 224 p. ISBN 5-94052-027-8. “The subject of fuzzy logic is the construction of models of approximate human reasoning and their use in computer systems”
- Volgin L. I., Levin V. I. Continuous logic. Theory and applications. Tallinn: B. i., 1990. - 210 p.
- Zaitsev, D.A.;
Sarbey, V.G.; Sleptsov A.I. Synthesis of functions of continuous logic given in a table (Russian) // Cybernetics and system analysis: journal. - 1998. - T. 34, No. 2. - P. 47-56. - doi:10.1007/BF02742068. - Jang, J.-SR, "ANFIS: Adaptive-Network-based Fuzzy Inference Systems," IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 665-685, May 1993.
- Illustrated Computer Dictionary for Dummies, 4th Edition - by Sandra Hardin Gookin & Dan Gookin - IDG Books Worldwide/John Wiley & Sons Inc (Computers) (February 2000) - ISBN 978-0764581250
Strengths and cost-effectiveness
Operating devices with Fuzzy Logic provides significant advantages:
- reduction of washing time as a result of accurate assessment of the level of contamination;
- reduction in water consumption due to preliminary determination of the weight of things and control over foam formation;
- minimum energy consumption due to reduced volume of water for heating;
- full automation of the procedure for washing clothes, as a result of which there is no need to manually set the spin speed, duration of work, number of rinses, desired water temperature, etc. (the decision is made for the person by a “smart” machine);
- saving on powders, fabric bleaches and other products used by washing machines.
Reviews from experts fully confirm the practical benefits and ease of use of devices equipped with this technology.
Washing duration calculation table
Fuzzy Logic in a washing machine is an opportunity to save energy and water. A table relating the type and level of soiling, which will help you calculate the approximate optimal washing time, is presented below.
| Pollution level | ||||
| Short | Moderate | High | ||
| Type pollution | Low-fat | ≈8 min. | ≈12 min. | ≈20 min. |
| Average | ≈20 min. | ≈20 min. | ≈20 min. | |
| Fatty | ≈40 min. | ≈40 min. | ≈60 min. | |
Expert advice. Important to consider
The main danger for equipment with Fuzzy Logic mode is power surges in the network. In our country, it often varies from 160 to 280 volts. Such “jumps” have an extremely negative effect on the electronic “brains” of the mechanism and have dire consequences. The machine starts to malfunction, for example, it misses the spin cycle or ignores the rinse mode. Such failures, when the washing machine’s modes are violated, will inevitably lead to a breakdown, which only a specialist can fix. To avoid difficulties, you need to connect the machine to the network using a stabilizer.
How to charge a gadget without a charger
Sometimes a situation arises when the power supply of your electronic cigarette, for example, Ego-T or evod x9 - x6, fails, or you ordered an electronic cigarette via the Internet, and the gadget arrived without charging. In this case, you can quickly make a temporary charger. To do this, you will need a regular USB cable that connects to a computer or laptop, after a little modification.
- It is necessary to cut the end of the cable and strip the top insulation. Next, find the red and black wires, then strip their ends (you can solder them). Remember, the red wire is “+” and the black wire is “-”.
- Take a small piece of paper and make something out of it in the form of a plug, into the center of which insert the positive contact so that it protrudes about 3 mm from the bottom. To prevent the cork from unwinding, wrap it on top with electrical tape.
- Disconnect the clearomizer from the battery. If you look at the charging connection location, you can see the central contact. It is to this that the “+” should be connected, and the “-” to the body.
- Insert the plug into the hole in the battery pack so that the end of the wire (red) touches the center contact of the battery. The negative wire can be secured to the body using an alligator clip or using a regular clothespin.
- Connect the cable to the USB port of your computer. If the process of energy accumulation has begun, it means you did everything right.
Review of budget models
For most LG models, Fuzzy Logic is the underlying technology. For example, LGF1281TD with front loading up to 8 kg, having 14 programs. This is a budget category model, however, equipped with the most advanced technologies that correspond to the proud title of “smart” cars. The price fluctuates around 32 thousand rubles.
The next representative of the popular brand is BOSCH WLG20265OE - a narrow automatic machine with a drum with a capacity of 5 kg. Additional features: night cycle, special gentle mode for outerwear, Fuzzy Logic. It is assumed that you can throw things into the drum during washing. Has protection against leaks and a child lock. Costs about 22 thousand rubles.
Samsung WF1802XEC is already a full-size unit with Eco Bubble plus Fuzzy Logic functions implemented in it. The drum holds 8 kg, there are nine programs. An additional bonus is the Eco Drum Clean mode, which allows you to rid clothes of ingrained odors without washing them in water. The price of the device is from 42 thousand rubles.
INDESIT IWDC 7105 is a copy with special settings for washing delicate fabrics and eliminating the causes of their wrinkling. The functionality of the model is enhanced by super rinse, quick wash and other modes, including Fuzzy Logic. The cost is approximately 30 thousand rubles.
ELECTROLUX EWT1366HDW is a vertical loading machine for 6 kilograms of laundry. Available: seven washing modes, protection against leaks and child protection. The maximum spin is 1300 rpm. The price of the device is from 40 thousand rubles.
These washing machines combine excellent performance results and unprecedented ease of operation. Reviews from experts confirm the guarantees given by their manufacturers.
Consumer Reviews
Washing machines equipped with the Fuzzy Logic intelligent mode were highly rated by users. Previously, manufacturing companies tried to add as many modes as possible to devices. Buyers appreciated this and chose such models, but, as a rule, they rarely used all the offered functionality. Now the required mode is carefully selected by artificial intelligence. Thanks to this, even the previously popular function of half-loading the drum has lost its relevance. A semi-automatic washing machine was previously considered more practical than fully automated models, but now it can only win positions in the price category. Buyers like the new models:
- convenience and ease of use;
- saving water and energy;
- washing speed;
- the ability to stop the program by pausing it, and, if necessary, add laundry and change the mode.
It is worth mentioning that the presence of Fuzzy Logic technology in a washing machine is not always a guarantee that absolutely every consumer will be satisfied with the work of their household assistant. About intelligent machines you can find the following complaints from owners:
- complex electronically controlled equipment cannot be durable;
- Frequently adjusting the mode during washing changes the completion time of the device and confuses it.
Mostly, users focus on the positive aspects of the operation of machines with this function. People who have had similar equipment in their home for a long time claim that it would be difficult for them to give up a “smart” device. They compare a washing machine without Fuzzy Logic to a refrigerator without automatic defrost.
Which machines do not have this function, but have the name?
I don’t think we will surprise you very much if we say that this sonorous name is also loved by those who did not even think about integrating such logic into their equipment. And this is not a lie at all. In the modern world this is called a marketing ploy.
Therefore, first of all, pay attention to the listed functionality of the machine. If it doesn’t “know how” to weigh laundry, determine the type of fabric and water temperature, then it is the same artificial intelligence as Poplavsky is a singer.
We can state unequivocally that in inexpensive machines there is no such logic and cannot be, even if it is written that it is there.
