A Fuzzy Approach to Product Configuration on Standard Databases

In the present paper, we propose an approach to intelligent retrieval and configuration of component-based products, starting from a set of possibly fuzzy user requirements provided at different levels of detail. A conceptual product model is introduced and its use during the configuration process is discussed. The proposed approach exploits a fuzzy generalization of SQL and a bottom-up (from basic to complex components) configuration process that can be implemented on top of a standard RDBMS. The approach is illustrated through a simple example based on a PC assembly task.