Flexible neuro-fuzzy systems

In this paper, we derive new neuro-fuzzy structures called flexible neuro-fuzzy inference systems or FLEXNFIS. Based on the input-output data, we learn not only the parameters of the membership functions but also the type of the systems (Mamdani or logical). Moreover, we introduce: 1) softness to fuzzy implication operators, to aggregation of rules and to connectives of antecedents; 2) certainty weights to aggregation of rules and to connectives of antecedents; and 3) parameterized families of T-norms and S-norms to fuzzy implication operators, to aggregation of rules and to connectives of antecedents. Our approach introduces more flexibility to the structure and design of neuro-fuzzy systems. Through computer simulations, we show that Mamdani-type systems are more suitable to approximation problems, whereas logical-type systems may be preferred for classification problems.