Rule generation for hierarchical collaborative fuzzy system

A new method of rule generation for the hierarchical collaborative fuzzy system, HCFS, is proposed. This HCFS is structured like various parallel fuzzy subsystems and it overcomes the dimensionality problem and the lack of interpretability of most of the traditional fuzzy systems, when dealing with complex real-world problems. An association process of different fuzzy systems is presented in this work, through the use of a relevance concept of a fuzzy system. The result of this aggregation is a collaborative structure where all sub-models have the ability to gradually improve the overall accuracy of approximation by adding their own contributions. For this structure we propose a new algorithm to be used in the procedures of the three learning phases: the structure building, the parametric identification and the division of the learning data among the various levels of the hierarchical structure. This new fuzzy modelling technique automatically generates and tunes the sets of fuzzy rules in the hierarchical collaborative structure (HCS). The effectiveness of the proposed HCFS model in handling high-dimensional and complex problems is demonstrated through various numerical simulations.     

Diagnosis of dyslexia with low quality data with genetic fuzzy systems

For diagnosing dyslexia in early childhood, children have to solve non-writing based graphical tests. Human experts score these tests, and decide whether the children require further consideration on the basis of their marks.Applying artificial intelligence techniques for automating this scoring is a complex task with multiple sources of uncertainty. On the one hand, there are conflicts, as different experts can assign different scores to the same set of answers. On the other hand, sometimes the experts are not completely confident with their decisions and doubt between different scores. The problem is aggravated because certain symptoms are compatible with more than one disorder. In case of doubt, the experts assign an interval-valued score to the test and ask for further information about the child before diagnosing him.Having said that, exploiting the information in uncertain datasets has been recently acknowledged as a new challenge in genetic fuzzy systems. In this paper we propose using a genetic cooperative-competitive algorithm for designing a linguistically understandable, rule-based classifier that can tackle this problem. This algorithm is part of a web-based, automated pre-screening application that can be used by the parents for detecting those symptoms that advise taking the children to a psychologist for an individual examination.     

Modelling on fuzzy control systems

A kind of modelling method for fuzzy control systems is first proposed here, which is called modelling method based on fuzzy inference (MMFI). It should be regarded as the third modelling method that is different from two well-known modelling methods, that is, the first modelling method, mechanism modelling method (MMM), and the second modelling method, system identification modelling method (SIMM). This method can, based on the interpolation mechanism on fuzzy logic system, transfer a group of fuzzy inference rules describing a practice system into a kind of nonlinear differential equation with variable coefficients, called HX equations, so that the mathematical model of the system can be obtained. This means that we solve the difficult problem of how to get a model represented as differential equations on a complicated or fuzzy control system.     

A class of linear differential dynamical systems with fuzzy matrices

This paper investigates the first order linear fuzzy differential dynamical systems with fuzzy matrices. We use a complex number representation of the α-level sets of the fuzzy system, and obtain the solution by employing such representation. It is applicable to practical computations and has also some implications for the theory of fuzzy differential equations. We then present some properties of the 2-dimensional dynamical systems and their phase portraits. Some examples are considered to show the richness of the theory and we can clearly see that new behaviors appear. We finally present some conclusions and new directions for further research in the area of fuzzy dynamical systems.     

Ten years of genetic fuzzy systems: current framework and new trends

Fuzzy systems have demonstrated their ability to solve different kinds of problems in various application domains. Currently, there is an increasing interest to augment fuzzy systems with learning and adaptation capabilities. Two of the most successful approaches to hybridise fuzzy systems with learning and adaptation methods have been made in the realm of soft computing. Neural fuzzy systems and genetic fuzzy systems hybridise the approximate reasoning method of fuzzy systems with the learning capabilities of neural networks and evolutionary algorithms.The objective of this paper is to provide an account of genetic fuzzy systems, with special attention to genetic fuzzy rule-based systems. After a brief introduction to models and applications of genetic fuzzy systems, the field is overviewed, new trends are identified, a critical evaluation of genetic fuzzy systems for fuzzy knowledge extraction is elaborated, and open questions that remain to be addressed in the future are raised. The paper also includes some of the key references required to quickly access implementation details of genetic fuzzy systems.     

Generalized fuzzy set systems and particularization

It is suggested that there exists many fuzzy set systems, each with its specific pointwise operations for union and intersection. A general law of compound possibilities is valid for all these systems, as well as a general law for representing marginal possibility distributions as unions of fuzzy sets. Max-min fuzzy sets are a special case of a fuzzy set system which uses the pointwise operations of max and min for union and intersection respectively. Probabilistic fuzzy sets are another special case which uses the operations of addition and multiplication. Probably there exists an infinite number of fuzzy set operations and systems. It is shown why the law of idempotency for intersection is not required for such systems. An essential difference between the meaning of the operations of union and intersection in traditional measure theory as compared with their meaning in the theory of possibility is pointed out. The operation of particularization is used to illustrate that the two distinct classical theories of nonfuzzy relations and of probability are merely two aspects of a more generalized theory of fuzzy sets. It is shown that we must distinguish between particularization of conditional fuzzy sets and of joint fuzzy sets. The concept of restriction of nonfuzzy relations is a special case of particularization of both conditional and joint fuzzy sets. The computation of joint probabilities from conditional and marginal ones is a special case of particularization of conditional probabilistic fuzzy sets. The difference between linguistic modifiers of type 1 and particulating modifiers is pointed out, as well as a general difference between nouns and adjectives.     

Intelligent systems in finance

Business sectors ranging from banking and insurance to retail, are benefiting from a whole new generation of ‘intelligent’ computing techniques. Successful applications include asset forecasting, credit evaluation, fraud detection, portfolio optimization, customer profiling, risk assessment, economic modelling, sales forecasting and retail outlet location. The techniques include expert systems, rule induction, fuzzy logic, neural networks and genetic algorithms, which in many cases are outperforming traditional statistical approaches. Their key features include the ability to recognize and classify patterns, learning from examples, generalization, logical reasoning from premises, adaptability and the ability to handle data which is incomplete, imprecise and noisy. This paper is the first in a series to appear in Applied Mathematical Finance;here we introduce the reader to the basic concepts of intelligent systems, describe their mode of operation and identify applications of the techniques in real world problem domains. Subsequent papers will concentrate on neural networks, genetic algorithms, fuzzy logic and hybrid systems, and will investigate their history and operation more rigorously.     

Semantics and pragmatics of fuzzy sets and systems

A philosophical formalism of a new methodological aspect of humanistic systems design and evaluation is given. A requisite concept of context-dependency is highlighted, and some approaches to fuzzy sets and linguistics subsequently extended. It is consequently shown that a mathematical theory of pragmatic fuzzy subsets is not only conceptually possible but practically implementable in man-machine studies as well. Thus, the important context-dependent implication of the subjective nature of Zadeh's theory of fuzzy sets can be better exploited.As a pragmatic theory, the approach here is a seeming connection between pragmatism and ontology, concepts that are traditionally diametrically opposed to each other. The attitude adopted has been the equation of pragmatism and psychophysical measurements of ontological objects (noumena). Pragmatism is tacitly defined as a form of empiricism whereby linguistic constructs (i.e., linguistic-variable denotions) that represent any aspect(s) of a humanistic system are nothing more than an operational procedure used to achieve psychophysical measurements of the aspect(s). In this fashion, pragmatism would enable the contents of assertions, which are made through declarative propositions, about humanistic systems to be deciphered within relevant contexts. For pragmatism, direct sense experience provides both the meaning and the criterion of reality judgements. The context-dependent nature of the physical reality of ontological entities is, therefore, better understood pragmatically vis-a-vis the appropriate evaluative criteria and interpretative conventions.By emphasizing the distinction between a fuzzy system (naturally fuzzified) and a fuzzified mathematical structure (meta-mathematically fuzzified), the use of the standard fuzzy topologies is justified although it is conceptually possible to develop a yet more general topology or perhaps an alternative one especially in the case of a meta-mathematically fuzzified structure. However, for the express purpose of machine implementation, a naturally fuzzified system, such as a (complex) humanistic system, is more amenable to an initial test of the philosophy of pragmatic fuzzy subsets. Consequently, the fuzzy topology and spaces employed are intended to be devoid of extensive generalities, in this instance.     

Attribute reduction based on generalized fuzzy evidence theory in fuzzy decision systems

Attribute reduction is viewed as an important issue in data mining and knowledge representation. This paper studies attribute reduction in fuzzy decision systems based on generalized fuzzy evidence theory. The definitions of several kinds of attribute reducts are introduced. The relationships among these reducts are then investigated. In a fuzzy decision system, it is proved that the concepts of fuzzy positive region reduct, lower approximation reduct and generalized fuzzy belief reduct are all equivalent, the concepts of fuzzy upper approximation reduct and generalized fuzzy plausibility reduct are equivalent, and a generalized fuzzy plausibility consistent set must be a generalized fuzzy belief consistent set. In a consistent fuzzy decision system, an attribute set is a generalized fuzzy belief reduct if and only if it is a generalized fuzzy plausibility reduct. But in an inconsistent fuzzy decision system, a generalized fuzzy belief reduct is not a generalized fuzzy plausibility reduct in general.     

Filtering-based robust fault detection of fuzzy jump systems

This paper studies the robust fault detection filter (RFDF) design problems for uncertain nonlinear Markov jump systems with state delays and parameter uncertainties. By means of Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy models, the dynamics of filtering error generator and the fuzzy RFDF system are constructed. With the aid of the selected weighting matrix function, the design objective is to find an optimal RFDF which results in a minimal difference between the reference model (ideal solution) and the RFDF (real solution) to be designed. A sufficient condition is firstly established on the stochastic stability by using stochastic Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional approach. Then in terms of linear matrix inequalities techniques, sufficient conditions on the existence of fuzzy RFDF are presented and proved. Finally, the design problem is formulated as an optimization algorithm. Simulation results illustrate that the proposed RFDF can detect the faults shortly after the occurrences.     

Solvability criteria for systems of fuzzy relation equations

By solving systems of fuzzy relation equations, qualitative process models can be obtained. To give more information on the solving procedure and to help constructing models, solvability criteria for-systems of fuzzy relation equations are necessary. In this article such criteria will be developed. Both methods are considered. In addition to some ideas on general , the is evaluated in detail. Criteria of practical use will be developed. These criteria will limit the variety of premise intersections to guarantee solvability. Nevertheless, they will still allow to model the significant behaviour of the processes.     

Exact analytical inversion of TSK fuzzy systems with singleton and linear consequents

In literature, exact inversion methods for TSK fuzzy systems exist only for the systems with singleton consequents. These methods have binding limitations such as strong triangular partitioning, monotonic rule bases and/or invertibility check. These extra limitations lessen the modeling capabilities of the TSK fuzzy systems. In this study, an exact analytical inversion method for TSK fuzzy systems with singleton and linear consequents is presented. The only limitation of the proposed method is that the inversion variable should be represented by piecewise linear membership functions (PWL-MFs). In this case, the universe of discourse of the inversion variable is divided into specific regions in which only one linear piece exists for each PWL-MF at most. In the proposed method, the analytical formulation of TSK fuzzy system is expressed in terms of the inversion variable by using linear equations of PWL-MFs. Thus, the fuzzy system output in any region can be obtained by using the appropriate parameters of the linear equations of PWL-MFs defined within the related region. This expression provides a way to obtain linear and quadratic equations in terms of the inversion variable for TSK fuzzy systems with singleton and linear consequents, respectively. So, it becomes very easy to find exact inverse solutions for each region by using explicit analytical solutions for linear or quadratic equations. The proposed inversion method has been illustrated through simulation examples.     

Adaptive fuzzy backstepping control for a class of MIMO switched nonlinear systems with unknown control directions

In this article, an adaptive fuzzy output tracking control approach is proposed for a class of multiple‐input and multiple‐output uncertain switched nonlinear systems with unknown control directions and under arbitrary switchings. In the control design, fuzzy logic systems are used to identify the unknown switched nonlinear systems. A Nussbaum gain function is introduced into the control design and the unknown control direction problem is solved. Under the framework of the backstepping control design, fuzzy adaptive control and common Lyapunov function stability theory, a new adaptive fuzzy output tracking control method is developed. It is proved that the proposed control approach can guarantee that all the signals in the closed‐loop system are bounded and the tracking error remains an adjustable neighborhood of the origin. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 155–166, 2016     

Stabilization for a class of nonlinear networked control systems via polynomial fuzzy model approach

This article is concerned with the stabilization problem for nonlinear networked control systems which are represented by polynomial fuzzy models. Two communication features including signal transmission delays and data missing are taken into account in a network environment. To solve the network‐induced communication problems, a novel sampled‐data fuzzy controller is designed to guarantee that the closed‐loop system is asymptotically stable. The stability and stabilization conditions are presented in terms of sum of squares (SOS), which can be numerically solved via SOSTOOLS. Finally, a simulation example is provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 74–81, 2015     

Learning concurrently partition granularities and rule bases of Mamdani fuzzy systems in a multi-objective evolutionary framework

In this paper we propose a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm to generate Mamdani fuzzy rule-based systems with different good trade-offs between complexity and accuracy. The main novelty of the algorithm is that both rule base and granularity of the uniform partitions defined on the input and output variables are learned concurrently. To this aim, we introduce the concepts of virtual and concrete rule bases: the former is defined on linguistic variables, all partitioned with a fixed maximum number of fuzzy sets, while the latter takes into account, for each variable, a number of fuzzy sets as determined by the specific partition granularity of that variable. We exploit a chromosome composed of two parts, which codify the variables partition granularities, and the virtual rule base, respectively. Genetic operators manage virtual rule bases, whereas fitness evaluation relies on an appropriate mapping strategy between virtual and concrete rule bases. The algorithm has been tested on two real-world regression problems showing very promising results.     

Model predictive control of nonlinear hybrid systems with discrete inputs employing a hybrid fuzzy model

The paper deals with model predictive control (MPC) of nonlinear hybrid systems with discrete inputs based on reachability analysis. In order to implement a MPC algorithm, a model of the process that we are dealing with is needed. In the paper, a hybrid fuzzy modelling approach is proposed. The hybrid system hierarchy is explained and the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy formulation for hybrid fuzzy modelling purposes is tackled. An efficient method of identification of the hybrid fuzzy model is also discussed.

An algorithm that is–due to its MPC nature–suitable for controlling a wide spectrum of systems (provided that they have discrete inputs only) is presented.

The benefits of the algorithm employing a hybrid fuzzy model are verified on a batch reactor example. The results suggest that by suitably determining the cost function, satisfactory control can be attained, even when dealing with complex hybrid–nonlinear–stiff systems such as the batch reactor.

Finally, a comparison between MPC employing a hybrid linear model and a hybrid fuzzy model is carried out. It has been established that the latter approach clearly outperforms the approach where a linear model is used.     

Bipolar fuzzy relation equations systems based on the product t‐norm

Bipolar fuzzy relation equations arise as a generalization of fuzzy relation equations considering unknown variables together with their logical connective negations. The occurrence of a variable and the occurrence of its negation simultaneously can give very useful information for certain frameworks where the human reasoning plays a key role. Hence, the resolution of bipolar fuzzy relation equations systems is a research topic of great interest. This paper focuses on the study of bipolar fuzzy relation equations systems based on the max‐product t‐norm composition. Specifically, the solvability and the algebraic structure of the set of solutions of these bipolar equations systems will be studied, including the case in which such systems are composed of equations whose independent term be equal to 0. As a consequence, this paper complements the contribution carried out by the authors on the solvability of bipolar max‐product fuzzy relation equations.     

Homomorphisms between fuzzy information systems

The information system is one of the most important mathematical models in the field of artificial intelligence, and the concept of mapping is a useful tool for studying the communication between two information systems. In this work, the concepts of fuzzy relation mapping and inverse fuzzy relation mapping are first introduced and their properties are studied. Then, the notions of homomorphisms of information systems based on fuzzy relations are proposed, and it is proved that attribute reductions in the original system and image system are equivalent to each other under the condition of homomorphism.     

Credit rating analysis using adaptive fuzzy rule-based systems: an industry-specific approach

This paper presents an analysis of credit rating using fuzzy rule-based systems. The disadvantage of the models used in previous studies is that it is difficult to extract understandable knowledge from them. The root of this problem is the use of natural language that is typical for the credit rating process. This problem can be solved using fuzzy logic, which enables users to model the meaning of natural language words. Therefore, the fuzzy rule-based system adapted by a feed-forward neural network is designed to classify US companies (divided into the finance, manufacturing, mining, retail trade, services, and transportation industries) and municipalities into the credit rating classes obtained from rating agencies. Features are selected using a filter combined with a genetic algorithm as a search method. The resulting subsets of features confirm the assumption that the rating process is industry-specific (i.e. specific determinants are used for each industry). The results show that the credit rating classes assigned to bond issuers can be classified with high classification accuracy using low numbers of features, membership functions, and if-then rules. The comparison of selected fuzzy rule-based classifiers indicates that it is possible to increase classification performance by using different classifiers for individual industries.     

Relaxed stability conditions for continuous‐time Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems based on a new upper bound inequality

The important issue of reducing the conservatism of feasible stability criteria for continuous‐time Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems is studied in this article. In order to obtain more advanced result than previous ones, a new upper bound inequality is proposed and thus the properties of the normalized fuzzy weighting functions' time derivatives can be better used than the previous ones. In particular, the so‐called “redundant terms” considered in previous literature can be converted to “useful terms” which play a positive role in the underlying analysis process. Moreover, some useless additional variables and their derived inequalities are removed for enhancing the efficiency. Finally, an illustrative example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 289–295, 2016