Appeal No. 96-4014
Application 08/192,939
arguing that the finding is not expressly supported in Hisano.)
The fuzzy logic controller would take the same inputs from the
low level controllers in figure 2 and provide the same single
fuel flow output control value as the mode selector in figure 2.
Fuzzy logic control inherently involves using a weighted sum of
values as claimed. Although appellants disclose using specific
engine parameters to define the modes of engine operation
(specification, page 7) (i.e., as state variables), these
specific variables are not argued. It is noted that while Hisano
does not disclose any specific membership functions, neither do
appellants. The fuzzy logic controller substituted in place of
the mode selector would be a "fuzzy logic hierarchical
controller" because it is in a hierarchical relationship to the
low level controllers. Appellants' arguments have been
considered, as discussed infra, but are not deemed persuasive.
The rejection of claim 1 is sustained.
Hisano includes a memory 9 (figure 3) which stores a
plurality of fuzzy rules which are fired (in the fuzzy rule
register 11 and fuzzy reasoning unit 14) to assign predetermined
weights, as recited in claims 8 and 14. The elements of FC 2 in
Hisano assign predetermined weights to variable values, create a
weighted distribution of output values, and aggregate the output
values as recited in claim 20. The admitted prior art mode
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