Fuzzy Logic
Review for NeurIPS paper: On Reward-Free Reinforcement Learning with Linear Function Approximation
The authors study sequential decision processes without reward function. The goal is to learn the transition dynamics such that various reward functions could be optimised efficiently in the future. The authors extend recent work to the linear function approximation case. They provide an analysis of the sample complexity, and show that while for linear MDPs complexity is polynomial, this is not true for MDPs with a linear optimal value functions, providing insight on the hardness of this second class of problems. The strengths of the paper are the theoretical development of the algorithm and the lower bound for MDPs with linear optimal Q functions.
A Comprehensive Survey of Fuzzy Implication Functions
Fuzzy implication functions are a key area of study in fuzzy logic, extending the classical logical conditional to handle truth degrees in the interval $[0,1]$. While existing literature often focuses on a limited number of families, in the last ten years many new families have been introduced, each defined by specific construction methods and having different key properties. This survey aims to provide a comprehensive and structured overview of the diverse families of fuzzy implication functions, emphasizing their motivations, properties, and potential applications. By organizing the information schematically, this document serves as a valuable resource for both theoretical researchers seeking to avoid redundancy and practitioners looking to select appropriate operators for specific applications.
Rule-based Evolving Fuzzy System for Time Series Forecasting: New Perspectives Based on Type-2 Fuzzy Sets Measures Approach
Marques, Eduardo Santos de Oliveira, Pinto, Arthur Caio Vargas, Alves, Kaike Sa Teles Rocha, de Aguiar, Eduardo Pestana
Real-world data contain uncertainty and variations that can be correlated to external variables, known as randomness. An alternative cause of randomness is chaos, which can be an important component of chaotic time series. One of the existing methods to deal with this type of data is the use of the evolving Fuzzy Systems (eFSs), which have been proven to be a powerful class of models for time series forecasting, due to their autonomy to handle the data and highly complex problems in real-world applications. However, due to its working structure, type-2 fuzzy sets can outperform type-1 fuzzy sets for highly uncertain scenarios. We then propose ePL-KRLS-FSM+, an enhanced class of evolving fuzzy modeling approach that combines participatory learning (PL), a kernel recursive least squares method (KRLS), type-2 fuzzy logic and data transformation into fuzzy sets (FSs). This improvement allows to create and measure type-2 fuzzy sets for better handling uncertainties in the data, generating a model that can predict chaotic data with increased accuracy. The model is evaluated using two complex datasets: the chaotic time series Mackey-Glass delay differential equation with different degrees of chaos, and the main stock index of the Taiwan Capitalization Weighted Stock Index - TAIEX. Model performance is compared to related state-of-the-art rule-based eFS models and classical approaches and is analyzed in terms of error metrics, runtime and the number of final rules. Forecasting results show that the proposed model is competitive and performs consistently compared with type-1 models, also outperforming other forecasting methods by showing the lowest error metrics and number of final rules.
Compact Rule-Based Classifier Learning via Gradient Descent
Fumanal-Idocin, Javier, Fernandez-Peralta, Raquel, Andreu-Perez, Javier
Rule-based models play a crucial role in scenarios that require transparency and accountable decision-making. However, they primarily consist of discrete parameters and structures, which presents challenges for scalability and optimization. In this work, we introduce a new rule-based classifier trained using gradient descent, in which the user can control the maximum number and length of the rules. For numerical partitions, the user can also control the partitions used with fuzzy sets, which also helps keep the number of partitions small. We perform a series of exhaustive experiments on $40$ datasets to show how this classifier performs in terms of accuracy and rule base size. Then, we compare our results with a genetic search that fits an equivalent classifier and with other explainable and non-explainable state-of-the-art classifiers. Our results show how our method can obtain compact rule bases that use significantly fewer patterns than other rule-based methods and perform better than other explainable classifiers.
Looking into the Future of Health-Care Services: Can Life-Like Agents Change the Future of Health-Care Services?
Torkestani, Mohammad Saleh, Davis, Robert, Sarrafzadeh, Abdolhossein
The increasing availability of computer-mediated knowledge and the advancement of information and communication technologies have altered the methods through which health care information is sought [3] [25] [30]. The Internet has had a significant impact on healthcare service and is a virtual medical library for an estimated 75-80% of users in developed countries [4] [5] [11]. On an average day, more than six million patients and their caregivers in the United States use the Internet to obtain health and medical information. This number exceeds the average daily number of 2.27 million Americans who make visits to physician offices [11] [18] [26]. Furthermore, not only patients but their caregivers want to get actively involved in the health-care management of their loved ones. In a research nearly 60% of people who identified themselves as caregivers use the Internet to find answers to their health-related questions [16]. This computer mediated environment has become, as Vargo and Lusch [32] argue, a fundamental hub where "people exchange to acquire the benefits of specialized competencies (knowledge and skills), or services."
Vision-Based Fuzzy Control System for Smart Walkers: Enhancing Usability for Stroke Survivors with Unilateral Upper Limb Impairments
Chalaki, Mahdi, Zakerimanesh, Amir, Soleymani, Abed, Mushahwar, Vivian, Tavakoli, Mahdi
Mobility impairments, particularly those caused by stroke-induced hemiparesis, significantly impact independence and quality of life. Current smart walker controllers operate by using input forces from the user to control linear motion and input torques to dictate rotational movement; however, because they predominantly rely on user-applied torque exerted on the device handle as an indicator of user intent to turn, they fail to adequately accommodate users with unilateral upper limb impairments. This leads to increased physical strain and cognitive load. This paper introduces a novel smart walker equipped with a fuzzy control algorithm that leverages shoulder abduction angles to intuitively interpret user intentions using just one functional hand. By integrating a force sensor and stereo camera, the system enhances walker responsiveness and usability. Experimental evaluations with five participants showed that the fuzzy controller outperformed the traditional admittance controller, reducing wrist torque while using the right hand to operate the walker by 12.65% for left turns, 80.36% for straight paths, and 81.16% for right turns. Additionally, average user comfort ratings on a Likert scale increased from 1 to 4. Results confirmed a strong correlation between shoulder abduction angles and directional intent, with users reporting decreased effort and enhanced ease of use. This study contributes to assistive robotics by providing an adaptable control mechanism for smart walkers, suggesting a pathway towards enhancing mobility and independence for individuals with mobility impairments.
GBFRS: Robust Fuzzy Rough Sets via Granular-ball Computing
Xia, Shuyin, Lian, Xiaoyu, Sang, Binbin, Wang, Guoyin, Gao, Xinbo
Fuzzy rough set theory is effective for processing datasets with complex attributes, supported by a solid mathematical foundation and closely linked to kernel methods in machine learning. Attribute reduction algorithms and classifiers based on fuzzy rough set theory exhibit promising performance in the analysis of high-dimensional multivariate complex data. However, most existing models operate at the finest granularity, rendering them inefficient and sensitive to noise, especially for high-dimensional big data. Thus, enhancing the robustness of fuzzy rough set models is crucial for effective feature selection. Muiti-garanularty granular-ball computing, a recent development, uses granular-balls of different sizes to adaptively represent and cover the sample space, performing learning based on these granular-balls. This paper proposes integrating multi-granularity granular-ball computing into fuzzy rough set theory, using granular-balls to replace sample points. The coarse-grained characteristics of granular-balls make the model more robust. Additionally, we propose a new method for generating granular-balls, scalable to the entire supervised method based on granular-ball computing. A forward search algorithm is used to select feature sequences by defining the correlation between features and categories through dependence functions. Experiments demonstrate the proposed model's effectiveness and superiority over baseline methods.
Interpretable Dual-Filter Fuzzy Neural Networks for Affective Brain-Computer Interfaces
Jiang, Xiaowei, Chen, Yanan, Pal, Nikhil Ranjan, Chang, Yu-Cheng, Yang, Yunkai, Do, Thomas, Lin, Chin-Teng
Fuzzy logic provides a robust framework for enhancing explainability, particularly in domains requiring the interpretation of complex and ambiguous signals, such as brain-computer interface (BCI) systems. Despite significant advances in deep learning, interpreting human emotions remains a formidable challenge. In this work, we present iFuzzyAffectDuo, a novel computational model that integrates a dual-filter fuzzy neural network architecture for improved detection and interpretation of emotional states from neuroimaging data. The model introduces a new membership function (MF) based on the Laplace distribution, achieving superior accuracy and interpretability compared to traditional approaches. By refining the extraction of neural signals associated with specific emotions, iFuzzyAffectDuo offers a human-understandable framework that unravels the underlying decision-making processes. We validate our approach across three neuroimaging datasets using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) and Electroencephalography (EEG), demonstrating its potential to advance affective computing. These findings open new pathways for understanding the neural basis of emotions and their application in enhancing human-computer interaction.
Review for NeurIPS paper: On Function Approximation in Reinforcement Learning: Optimism in the Face of Large State Spaces
Summary and Contributions: This paper studies the exploration problem in episodic reinforcement learning with kernel and neural network function approximations. The proposed algorithm is an optimistic version of least-squares value iteration, where the solution to the standard LSVI is further added by a bonus function for exploration. Under assumptions on the underlying RKHS or NTK function classes, the proposed algorithms are shown to achieve a H 2 \sqrt{T} \delta_F regret, where \delta_F depends on the effective dimension of the RKHS or NTK. First, state clearly in the introduction (maybe also abstract) that this paper makes the assumption that the transition model is characterized by the RKHS class -- I think you already did but it doesn't hurt to emphasize it. Also, revise the sentence "propose the first provable efficient RL algorithm [...] without any additional assumptions on the sampling model" (lines 44-46), e.g., by changing the term "sampling model" to be "generative model" or "simulator", as such a term is ambiguous.
Review for NeurIPS paper: On Function Approximation in Reinforcement Learning: Optimism in the Face of Large State Spaces
This paper studies the exploration problem in episodic reinforcement learning with kernel and neural network function approximations. The authors propose a novel algorithm which is an optimistic version of least-squares value iteration, where the solution to the standard LSVI is further added by a bonus function for exploration. They derive regret bounds for this algorithm for two different function classes: RKHS and NTK. Overall, the technical contribution in this paper seems solid. Some reviewers had some concerns about the assumptions made for the analysis, especially regarding the one assuming that the Bellman optimality update lies in the RKHS.