LORDS INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Approved by AICTE/Affiliated to Osmania University/Estd.2002.

Department of Computer Science and Engineering- AIML

Course Title: SOFT COMPUTING

Course Code: PC604CSM

Syllabus

UNIT – I: Introduction to Soft Computing

Introduction to Soft Computing, Soft Computing Constituents, Characteristics of Neuro-Computing & Soft
Computing, Difference between Hard Computing & Soft Computing, Some Applications of Soft Computing
Techniques, Concepts of Learning & Adaptation.

LECTURE NOTES :

Introduction to Soft Computing :

 Soft computing is a set of algorithms, including neural networks, fuzzy

logic, and evolutionary algorithms.
 These algorithms are tolerant of imprecision, uncertainty, partial truth and
approximation.
 It is contrasted with hard computing: algorithms which find provably
correct and optimal solutions to problems.
 Soft Computing is dedicated to system solutions based on soft
computing techniques.

 It provides rapid dissemination of important results in soft computing.

 Soft computing is defined as a group of computational techniques based

on artificial intelligence (human like decision) and natural selection that
provides quick and cost effective solution to very complex problems for
which analytical (hard computing) formulations do not exist.

Examples of soft computing:

 In most used home appliances - Washing Machine, Heater, Refrigerator,
and AC as well.
 Apart from all these usages, it is also used in Robotics work (Emotional
per Robot form).
 Image processing and Data compression are also popular applications of
soft computing.
What is Soft Computing?

Soft computing is a computing model evolved to solve non-linear issues. It

helps to solve issues where human intelligence is needed to solve. Probabilistic
models, fuzzy logic, neural networks, evolutionary algorithms are parts of soft
computing.
Soft computing uses flexible, non-rigid tools like fuzzy logic, statistical tools or
neural networks to solve current computing, scientific, engineering and
economic problems.
More specifically, soft computing is used to solve those problems that cannot
be solved using mathematical equations and algorithms.
Soft computing is a newer technology that focus on solving problems.
These algorithms are tolerant of
imprecision, uncertainty, partial
truth and approximation.

It is contrasted with hard

computing: algorithms which
find provably correct
and optimal solutions to
problems.

The theory and techniques related to soft computing were first introduced in
1980s.

The term "soft computing" was coined by Lotfi A. Zadeh.

Is soft computing part of AI?

Both AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Soft Computing use data driven, flexible
and non-systematic tools to solve the problems.

The most basic difference between AI and soft computer is that the AI is used to
develop intelligent systems, whereas soft computing is used to solve real
problems.

What is AI?

AI or Artificial Intelligence is a science which deals with making machine

intelligence. According to John McCarthy, the father of artificial intelligence, it
is the science and engineering of making intelligent machines or intelligent
computer programs.
Thus, AI is a technology for making a computer or computer embedded device
to think intelligently like a human. It utilizes image processing, cognitive
science, neural systems, machine learning, etc.
AI enables machines to behave in a similar manner as human behaves in
varying situations.
It tries to solve human like problems like gaming, natural language processing,
expert systems, vision systems, etc.
Which are the 4 different constituents of soft computing?
Components of soft computing include machine learning, fuzzy logic,
evolutionary computation, and probabilistic theory. These components have
the cognitive ability to learn effectively.

What are the main constituents of soft computing?

The three constituents of soft computing are fuzzy-logic-based computing,
neurocomputing, and genetic algorithms.
What is Hard Computing?
Hard Computing is a conventional approach used in computing and requires an
accurately stated analytical model. The term "hard computing" too was coined
by Dr Lotfi Zadeh. In fact, he coined this term before "soft computing". Hard
computing depends on the binary logic and crisp system.
Hard computing uses two-valued logic. Therefore, it has a deterministic nature.
It produces precise and accurate results. In hard computing, some definite
control actions are defined using a mathematical model or algorithm.
The major drawback of hard computing is that it is incapable in solving the real
world problems whose behavior is imprecise and their information being

changing continuously. Hard computing is mainly used to perform sequential

computations.

Difference between Soft Computing and Hard Computing

The following table highlights the major differences between soft computing and hard
computing –
It can be associated with being liberal with inexactness, It requires a precise state analytic model.
uncertainty, partial truth and approximation.

It depends on formal logic and probabilistic reasoning. It depends on binary logic and crisp system.

It consists of approximation and dispositionality. Its features include precision and categoricity.

It has a stochastic nature. It has a deterministic nature.

It generally works on ambiguous and noisy data. It works on exact data.

It can be used to perform parallel computations. It is used to perform sequential computations.

It results in approximate results. It produces precise results.

It can come out with its own programs. The programs have to be written.

It incorporates randomness in its computations. It is settled in nature.

It uses multivalued logic. It uses the two-valued logic.

Soft Computing Hard Computing

What is Soft Computing : Techniques and Differences
Computation is a process of converting the input of one form to some other
desired output form using certain control actions. According to the concept of
computation, the input is called an antecedent and the output is called the
consequent. A mapping function converts the input of one form to another form
of desired output using certain control actions. The computing concept is mainly
applicable to computer science engineering. There are two types of computing,
hard computing, and soft computing. Hard computing is a process in which we
program the computer to solve certain problems using mathematical algorithms
that already exist, which provides a precise output value. One of the
fundamental examples of hard computing is a numerical problem.

What are the characteristics and components of soft computing?

Soft computing is a branch of computing which, unlike hard computing, can
deal with uncertain, imprecise and inexact data. The three constituents of soft
computing are fuzzy-logic-based computing, neurocomputing, and genetic
algorithms.
What does Neurocomputing mean?
(ˌnjʊərəʊkəmˈpjuːtɪŋ ) noun. computing that makes use of neural networks.

What is Neurocomputing in soft computing?

Neural computation is the information processing performed by networks of
neurons. Neural computation is affiliated with the philosophical tradition
known as Computational theory of mind, also referred to as computationalism,
which advances the thesis that neural computation explains cognition.

How is Neurocomputing?
Neurocomputing is the branch of science and engineering, which is based on
human like intelligent behaviors of machines. It is a vast discipline of
research that mainly includes neuroscience, machine learning, searching and
knowledge representation.

How did neuro computing originate?

The idea of neural networks began unsurprisingly as a model of how
neurons in the brain function, termed 'connectionism' and used connected
circuits to simulate intelligent behaviour . In 1943, portrayed with a simple
electrical circuit by neurophysiologist Warren McCulloch and mathematician
Walter Pitts.

What are the functional differences between conventional and neuro

computing?
The ways in which they function

Another fundamental difference between traditional computers and artificial

neural networks is the way in which they function. While computers function
logically with a set of rules and calculations, artificial neural networks can
function via images, pictures, and concepts.

What is the difference between neural network and brain?

For one, human brains are far more complex and sophisticated than neural
networks. Additionally, human brains are able to learn and adapt much more
quickly than neural networks. Finally, human brains are able to generate new
ideas and concepts, while neural networks are limited to the data they are given.
Applications of Soft Computing

 Image processing

 Data Compression

 Fuzzy Logic Control

 Automative systems and Manufacturing

 Neuro-fuzzy systems

 Decision-support systems

and many more.

Let's take a look at some of the applications of soft computing across

different industries-
 Handwritten Script Recognition.
 Image Processing and Data Compression.
 Automotive Systems and Manufacturing.
 Soft computing based Architecture.
 Decision Support System.
 Power System Analysis.
 Bioinformatics.
 Investment and Trading.

Soft computing is the use of approximate calculations to provide imprecise but

usable explanations for complex computational problems. Top soft computing
applications enable solutions for problems that may be either unsolvable or just
too time-consuming to solve with current hardware. soft computing applications
are generally based on computational intelligence. Soft computing
applications provide an approach to problem-solving using means other than
computers. With the human mind as a role model, soft computing is tolerant of
partial truths, uncertainty, imprecision, and approximation, unlike traditional
computing models. The tolerance of soft computing enables researchers to deal
with some serious problems that traditional computing can’t process.
Companies are using soft computing applications to make them a step ahead in
the competition. Therefore, Knowing the top soft computing applications for
2023 can provide a boost to one’s professional career. Here the article enlists
the top 10 soft computing applications that Businesses should know in 2023.

Soft Computing in Investment and Trading

The data present in the finance field is grandiosity and traditional computing is
unable to handle and process such kind of data. There are multiple soft
computing techniques that help to handle those massive data. The pattern
recognition approach is used to understand the pattern or behavior of the data
and time series is used to predict future trading points.

Soft Computing Techniques in Bioinformatics

Soft computing applications in bioinformatics help to modify any uncertainty
and indifference that biometrics data may have. Soft computing applications
provide distinct low-cost solutions with the help of algorithms, databases, Fuzzy
Sets (FSs), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). These techniques are
fantastic to deliver quality results in an efficient way.

Soft Computing based Architecture

In this process, an intelligent building gathers inputs from the sensors and
controls effectors by using them. The construction industry uses the technique
of DAI (Distributed Artificial Intelligence) and fuzzy genetic agents to deliver
the building with capabilities that match human intelligence. The fuzzy logic of
Soft Computing is used to create behavior-based architecture in intelligent
buildings to deal with the unpredictable nature of the environment, and these
agents embed sensory information in the buildings.

Soft Computing Techniques in Power System Analysis

Soft computing uses the method of Artificial Neural Networks to predict any
instability in the voltage of the power system. Using the Artificial Neural
Network, the pending voltage instability can be predicted. The methods which
are deployed here, are very low in cost.

Soft Computing and Decision Support System

Top soft computing applications give the advantage of minimizing the cost of
the decision support system. The methods are used to design, maintain, and
maximize the value of the decision process. The first application of fuzzy logic
is to create a decision system that can predict any sort of risk. The second
application is using fuzzy information that selects the areas which need
replacement.

Handwritten Script Recognition using Soft Computing

Handwritten Script Recognition is one of the most demanding parts of computer
science. It has the ability to translate multilingual documents and sort the
various scripts accordingly. It applies the concept of the “block-level technique”
where the system recognizes the particular script from a number of script
documents given. It uses a Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), and discrete
wavelets Transform (DWT) together, which classify the scripts according to
their features.

Use of Soft Computing in Automotive Systems and Manufacturing

Soft computing applications have solved a major misconception about the
automobile industry that it is slow to adapt. Fuzzy logic is a soft computing
technique used in vehicles to develop classic control methods. It takes the
example of human behavior, which is described in the form of rule – “If-Then
“statements. The logic controller then converts the sensor inputs into fuzzy
variables that are then defined according to these rules. Fuzzy logic has a crucial
role in engine control, automatic transmissions, antiskid steering, etc.
Image Processing and Data Compression using Soft Computing
Image analysis is one of the crucial parts of the medical field. It uses a high-
level processing technique that includes recognition and bifurcation of patterns.
Using soft computing solves the problem of computational complexity and
efficiency in classification. Soft computing techniques including Genetic
Algorithms, Genetic Programming, Classifier Systems, Evolution Strategies,
artificial life, and a few others are used to deliver the best result.

Soft Computing Applications in Supply Chain Management

It is clear that effective supply chain management (SCM) is imperative in order
for organizations to compete and have a strategic competitive advantage.
Multiple soft computing (SC) techniques including but not limited to fuzzy
logic and fuzzy sets, artificial neural networks, genetic algorithms, Bayesian
networks, rough set theory, etc have been applied for decision-making and
analysis within a number of supply chain management processes.

Application of Soft Computing Techniques for Renewable Energy Network

Design and Optimization
Energy operation can be characterized by its complex network system
composed of energy generation, energy transformation, energy transportation,
and energy consumption. The applications of soft computing have amazingly
evolved in this area in the last few years. Numerous soft computing applications
can be found in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency where soft
computing techniques are showing great potential to solve the problems that
arise in this area.

Learning and Adaptation:

As stated earlier, ANN is completely inspired by the way biological nervous
system, i.e. the human brain works. The most impressive characteristic of the
human brain is to learn, hence the same feature is acquired by ANN.
What Is Learning in ANN?
Basically, learning means to do and adapt the change in itself as and when there
is a change in environment. ANN is a complex system or more precisely we can
say that it is a complex adaptive system, which can change its internal structure
based on the information passing through it.
Why Is It important?
Being a complex adaptive system, learning in ANN implies that a processing
unit is capable of changing its input/output behavior due to the change in
environment. The importance of learning in ANN increases because of the fixed
activation function as well as the input/output vector, when a particular network
is constructed. Now to change the input/output behavior, we need to adjust the
weights.
Classification
It may be defined as the process of learning to distinguish the data of samples
into different classes by finding common features between the samples of the
same classes. For example, to perform training of ANN, we have some training
samples with unique features, and to perform its testing we have some testing
samples with other unique features. Classification is an example of supervised
learning.
What is the concept of learning and adaptation?
Basically, learning means to do and adapt the change in itself as and when
there is a change in environment. ANN is a complex system or more precisely
we can say that it is a complex adaptive system, which can change its internal
structure based on the information passing through it.

Learning And Adaptation : Introduction

 Learning and Adaptation can be collectively called as machine learning

which can be defined as the branch of computer science which enables
computer systems to learn and respond to queries on the basis of
experience and knowledge rather than from predefined programs. Also, it
can be classified into supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement
learning.
 Learning is a process in which the acquisition of knowledge or skills
through study, experience, or being taught.
 Adaptation refers to the act or process of adapting and adjustment to
environmental conditions.
1. Learning and Adaptation : Supervised Learning
o When learning of a function can be done from its inputs and
outputs, it is called as supervised learning.
o One of the example of supervised learning is “Classification”.
o It classifies the data on the basis of training set available and uses
that data for classifying new data.
o The class labels on the training data is known in advance which
further helps in data classification.

Issues : Supervised Learning

o Data Cleaning: In data cleaning, noise and missing values are

handled.
o Feature Selection: Abundant an irrelevant attributes are removed
while feature selection is done.
o Data Transformation: Data normalization and data generalization is
included in data transformation.

Classification Methods

o Decision Trees.
o Bayesian Classification.
o Rule Based Classification.
o Classification by back propagation.
o Associative Classification.