Fuzzy systems based on component software

This paper describes hierarchical modeling of fuzzy logic concepts that has been used within the recently developed model of intelligent systems, called OBOA. The model is based on a multilevel, hierarchical, general object-oriented approach. Current methods and software design and development tools for intelligent systems are usually difficult to extend, and it is not easy to reuse their components in developing intelligent systems. The OBOA model tries to reduce these deficiencies. The model starts with a well-founded software engineering principle, making clear distinction between generic, low-level intelligent software components, and domain-dependent, high-level components of an intelligent system. This paper concentrates on modeling and implementation of fuzzy logic concepts within the hierarchical levels of the OBOA model. The fuzzy components described are extensible and adjustable. As an illustration of how these components are used in practice, a practical design example from the domain of medical diagnosis is shown. The paper also suggests some steps towards future design of fuzzy components and tools for intelligent systems.     

T–S fuzzy-model-based robust stabilization for a class of nonlinear discrete-time networked control systems

In this paper, the robust stabilization problem is investigated for a class of nonlinear discrete-time networked control systems (NCSs). To study the system stability and facilitate the design of fuzzy controller, Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy models are employed to represent the system dynamics of the nonlinear discrete-time NCSs with effects of the approximation errors taken into account, and a unified model of NCSs in the T–S fuzzy model is proposed by modeling the approximation errors as norm-bounded uncertainties in system metrics, where non-ideal network Quality of Services (QoS), such as data dropout and network-induced delay, are coupled in a unified framework. Then, based on the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, sufficient conditions are derived for the existence of a fuzzy controller. By these criteria, two approaches to design a fuzzy controller are developed in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, illustrative examples are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed methods.     

Online identification of Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy models based on self-adaptive hierarchical particle swarm optimization algorithm

This paper presents an approach for online learning of Takagi–Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy models. A novel learning algorithm based on a Hierarchical Particle Swarm Optimization (HPSO) is introduced to automatically extract all fuzzy logic system (FLS)’s parameters of a T–S fuzzy model. During online operation, both the consequent parameters of the T–S fuzzy model and the PSO inertia weight are continually updated when new data becomes available. By applying this concept to the learning algorithm, a new type T–S fuzzy modeling approach is constructed where the proposed HPSO algorithm includes an adaptive procedure and becomes a self-adaptive HPSO (S-AHPSO) algorithm usable in real-time processes. To improve the computational time of the proposed HPSO, particles positions are initialized by using an efficient unsupervised fuzzy clustering algorithm (UFCA). The UFCA combines the K-nearest neighbour and fuzzy C-means methods into a fuzzy modeling method for partitioning of the input–output data and identifying the antecedent parameters of the fuzzy system, enhancing the HPSO’s tuning. The approach is applied to identify the dynamical behavior of the dissolved oxygen concentration in an activated sludge reactor within a wastewater treatment plant. The results show that the proposed approach can identify nonlinear systems satisfactorily, and reveal superior performance of the proposed methods when compared with other state of the art methods. Moreover, the methodologies proposed in this paper can be involved in wider applications in a number of fields such as model predictive control, direct controller design, unsupervised clustering, motion detection, and robotics.     

Modeling and evaluation of cyber-physical systems in civil engineering

A cyber-physical system (CPS) is a coupled system integrating computing, networking, and physical processes. Through actuation, cyber-physical systems control the physical processes, usually with feedback loops, where the physical processes affect computing and networking processes, and vice versa. In civil engineering, the most common fields of CPS applications are structural health monitoring (SHM) and structural control. A typical CPS task is the assessment of a structure based on (i) collected measurement data and (ii) a corresponding model. However, for an accurate and precise assessment of a structure, the CPS itself must be modeled and evaluated. In this paper, a conceptual modeling and evaluation approach is proposed, in which each part of a CPS is evaluated individually. In this study, the conceptual approach is presented for modeling and evaluation of CPS in civil engineering. The evaluation is based on an abstract approach allowing a discussion of a principle (i.e. general) model structure of a CPS, identifying critical issues to be studied in more detail in future research. (© 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Multi-objective modeling for engineering applications:DIDASN++ system

Modeling and simulation of various physical, technical, environmental or socioeconomic processes is often a preliminary step for using the resulting models in computer-aided design or decision support. In engineering computer-aided design, the decisions of the designer might be supported by multicriteria optimization - which in this case should not be considered as a tool for supporting the final choice of the design, but much more as a tool for helping in a flexible analysis of various design options or even various modeling and simulation options. The paper shows how multicriteria optimization techniques can be used for multi-objective analysis of a model from the beginning stages of model construction. With the advancement of computing technology and the methodology of decision support, it is now possible to revise this way basic approaches to modeling and simulation. Various formats of defining nonlinear and time-discrete models are discussed together with related problems of inverse and softly constrained multi-objective simulation. Algebraic differentiation and sensitivity analysis, fuzzy set representation of modeler preferences are also useful techniques of multi-objective modeling. Such techniques are illustrated by engineering applications of a software package DIDASN++ in mechanics and automatic control.     

An integrated fuzzy simulation-fuzzy data envelopment analysis algorithm for job-shop layout optimization: The case of injection process with ambiguous data

This paper puts forward an integrated fuzzy simulation-fuzzy data envelopment analysis (FSFDEA) algorithm to cope with a special case of single-row facility layout problem (SRFLP). Discrete-event-simulation, a powerful tool for analyzing complex and stochastic systems, is employed for modeling different layout formations. Afterwards, a range-adjusted measure (RAM) is used as a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model for ranking the simulation results and finding the optimal layout design. Due to ambiguousness associated with the processing times, fuzzy sets theory is incorporated into the simulation model. Since the results of simulation are in the form of possibility distributions, the DEA model is treated on a fuzzy basis; therefore, a recent possibilistic programming approach is used to convert the fuzzy DEA model to an equivalent crisp one. The proposed FSFDEA algorithm is capable of modeling and optimizing small-sized SRFLP’s in stochastic, uncertain, and non-linear environments. The solution quality is inspected through a real case study in a refrigerator manufacturing company.     

A modeling approach to logistics in concurrent engineering

This paper advocates logistics involvement in the early phases of product design and development in a concurrent engineering environment. A concurrent engineering environment and the benefits of such involvement are explained in detail. The paper focuses on facilitating an interface and a collaboration between the designer and the logistician. A conceptual interface for design for logistics is presented. Four areas of interface are considered: (a) logistics engineering, (b) manufacturing logistics, (c) design for packaging, and (d) design for transportability. A set of detailed design factors pertaining to each area are presented. A modeling approach, Bond Energy Algorithm, is used to accomplish the design for logistics concerns developed throughout the paper. An example is provided to test and validate the algorithm. The results are analyzed and appropriate perspectives for managerial implication of the methodology are provided. Finally, some conclusions and assessments are presented.     

Optimization under consideration of uncertain input quantities

This contribution presents an approach to account for imprecise data within an optimization task in view of engineering applications. In order to specify imprecise data the concept of imprecise probabilities is utilized, applying the generalized uncertainty model fuzzy randomness. Considering the fact, that the uncertainty affects both the objective function and the constraints, the optimum and the respective design is obtained imprecise. In view of decision making for engineering applications the optimization is converted to account for information reducing methods, e.g. determination of failure probabilities, defuzzification and robustness assessment. The introduced methods and algorithms are focused on a numerical treatment to solve nonlinear industry–sized problems. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Modelling class hierarchies in the fuzzy object-oriented data model

In this paper we describe a fuzzy logic based approach to modelling uncertainty in class hierarchies. It is shown that the traditional view of class hierarchies is subsumed in this model as a special case. The problem of multiple inheritance in class hierarchies is discussed and analyzed. The membership value derivations in the inheritance hierarchy reflects the degree of fuzziness existing in the data values and the semantics of the situation being modelled. Thus a more realistic modelling of the universe of discourse is possible through this approach. This model is compatible with existing object-oriented data models.     

基于观测器的模糊Delta算子系统的控制器设计

对于非线性模糊系统控制器和观测器的分析和设计,提出一种统一方法。利用Delta域离散T—S模糊模型对非线性系统建模,并基于李雅普诺夫稳定性理论给出模糊状态反馈控制器和观测器的设计策略,将所得结果归结为求解一组线性矩阵不等式。同时结论表明:分离性原理对Delta算子T—S模糊系统仍然成立。所得结果可将现有关于连续和离散T—S模糊系统的相关结论统一于Delta算子框架内。     

Methods of critical value reduction for type-2 fuzzy variables and their applications

A type-2 fuzzy variable is a map from a fuzzy possibility space to the real number space; it is an appropriate tool for describing type-2 fuzziness. This paper first presents three kinds of critical values (CVs) for a regular fuzzy variable (RFV), and proposes three novel methods of reduction for a type-2 fuzzy variable. Secondly, this paper applies the reduction methods to data envelopment analysis (DEA) models with type-2 fuzzy inputs and outputs, and develops a new class of generalized credibility DEA models. According to the properties of generalized credibility, when the inputs and outputs are mutually independent type-2 triangular fuzzy variables, we can turn the proposed fuzzy DEA model into its equivalent parametric programming problem, in which the parameters can be used to characterize the degree of uncertainty about type-2 fuzziness. For any given parameters, the parametric programming model becomes a linear programming one that can be solved using standard optimization solvers. Finally, one numerical example is provided to illustrate the modeling idea and the efficiency of the proposed DEA model.     

A new data envelopment analysis model with fuzzy random inputs and outputs

This paper first presents several formulas for mean chance distributions of triangular fuzzy random variables and their functions, then develops a new class of fuzzy random data envelopment analysis (FRDEA) models with mean chance constraints, in which the inputs and outputs are assumed to be characterized by fuzzy random variables with known possibility and probability distributions. According to the established formulas for the mean chance distributions, we can turn the mean chance constraints into their equivalent stochastic ones. On the other hand, since the objective in the FRDEA model is the expectation about the ratio of the weighted sum of outputs and the weighted sum of inputs for a target decision-making unite (DMU), for general fuzzy random inputs and outputs, we suggest an approximation method to evaluate the objective; and for triangular fuzzy random inputs and outputs, we propose a method to reduce the objective to its equivalent stochastic one. As a consequence, under the assumption that the inputs and the outputs are triangular fuzzy random vectors, the proposed FRDEA model can be reduced to its equivalent stochastic programming one, in which the constraints contain the standard normal distribution function, and the objective is the expectation for a function of the normal random variable. To solve the equivalent stochastic programming model, we design a hybrid algorithm by integrating stochastic simulation and genetic algorithm (GA). Finally, one numerical example is presented to demonstrate the proposed FRDEA modeling idea and the effectiveness of the designed hybrid algorithm.     

Granular fuzzy models: a study in knowledge management in fuzzy modeling

In system modeling, knowledge management comes vividly into the picture when dealing with a collection of individual models. These models being considered as sources of knowledge, are engaged in some collective pursuits of a collaborative development to establish modeling outcomes of global character. The result comes in the form of a so-called granular fuzzy model, which directly reflects upon and quantifies the diversity of the available sources of knowledge (local models) involved in knowledge management. In this study, several detailed algorithmic schemes are presented along with related computational aspects associated with Granular Computing. It is also shown how the construction of information granules completed through the use of the principle of justifiable granularity becomes advantageous in the realization of granular fuzzy models and a quantification of the quality (specificity) of the results of modeling. We focus on the design of granular fuzzy models considering that the locally available models are those fuzzy rule-based. It is shown that the model quantified in terms of two conflicting criteria, that is (a) a coverage criterion expressing to which extent the resulting information granules “cover” include data and (b) specificity criterion articulating how detailed (specific) the obtained information granules are. The overall quality of the granular model is also assessed by determining an area under curve (AUC) where the curve is formed in the coverage-specificity coordinates. Numeric results are discussed with intent of displaying the most essential features of the proposed methodology and algorithmic developments.     

The development of modular-based design in considering technology complexity

Applying modularity in the designing of products has been extensively researched recently to reduce the delay of product development. This paper presents a methodology of modular-based design in the conceptual stage of systems to support concurrent engineering (CE). First, the functions (Fs) are classified into different types of modules according to the correlation in design by using fuzzy cluster identification. Second, the optimal module type is selected based on the considerations of the manufacture and assembly complexities of the system for progressive parallel design. Third, the design priority of Fs within a module is scheduled by measuring the information content of Fs. As a result, the traditional design process is arranged as a series-parallel action to reduce the design time of products. Finally, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) system is used as an example to describe this method.     

Allocation of information granularity in optimization and decision-making models: Towards building the foundations of Granular Computing

The highly diversified conceptual and algorithmic landscape of Granular Computing calls for the formation of sound fundamentals of the discipline, which cut across the diversity of formal frameworks (fuzzy sets, sets, rough sets) in which information granules are formed and processed. The study addresses this quest by introducing an idea of granular models – generalizations of numeric models that are formed as a result of an optimal allocation (distribution) of information granularity. Information granularity is regarded as a crucial design asset, which helps establish a better rapport of the resulting granular model with the system under modeling. A suite of modeling situations is elaborated on; they offer convincing examples behind the emergence of granular models. Pertinent problems showing how information granularity is distributed throughout the parameters of numeric functions (and resulting in granular mappings) are formulated as optimization tasks. A set of associated information granularity distribution protocols is discussed. We also provide a number of illustrative examples.     

Robust asymptotic stability of fuzzy Markovian jumping genetic regulatory networks with time-varying delays by delay decomposition approach

In this paper, the robust asymptotic stability problem is considered for a class of fuzzy Markovian jumping genetic regulatory networks with uncertain parameters and switching probabilities by delay decomposition approach. The purpose of the addressed stability analysis problem is to establish an easy-to-verify condition under which the dynamics of the true concentrations of the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein is asymptotically stable irrespective of the norm-bounded modeling errors. A new Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) is constructed by nonuniformly dividing the delay interval into multiple subinterval, and choosing proper functionals with different weighting matrices corresponding to different subintervals in the LKFs. Employing these new LKFs for the time-varying delays, a new delay-dependent stability criterion is established with Markovian jumping parameters by T–S fuzzy model. Note that the obtained results are formulated in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI) that can efficiently solved by the LMI toolbox in Matlab. Numerical examples are exploited to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design procedures.