Optimization design of a new variable type hierarchical fuzzy system with interpretability improvement

Abstract

This paper proposes a variable-type hierarchical fuzzy system (VTHFS) with high accuracy and strong interpretability. An improved rear-part direct-connected structure is used in the VTHFS, which eliminates the intermediate variables of the hierarchical fuzzy system (HFS). A new feature sorting method is proposed to find suitable input variables for each layer of subsystems of VTHFS. Under the proposed topology structure, layer by layer training of VTHFS can be achieved by changing the expected output of each layer, thereby reducing residual errors layer by layer and improving the prediction accuracy of VTHFS. Three fuzzy set distribution constraints are used in parameter optimization of VTHFS to improve the interpretability, including integrity, distinguishability, and footprint of uncertainty. The type of fuzzy set is automatically adjusted according to the uncertainty characteristics of input data measured by fuzziness, which further enhances the semantic interpretability of the VTHFS and solves the problem of requiring prior knowledge to define the fuzzy set type in existing research. Finally, the proposed VTHFS is tested on the regression data sets in the real world. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the feature sorting method and the fuzzy set type adjustment method. Through a large number of quantitative indicators, it can be confirmed that VTHFS has stronger interpretability and higher prediction accuracy compared to other fuzzy systems.