Logic-oriented neural networks for fuzzy neurocomputing

In this study, we concentrate on the fundamentals and essential development issues of logic-driven constructs of fuzzy neural networks. These networks, referred to as logic-oriented neural networks, constitute an interesting conceptual and computational framework that greatly benefits from the establishment of highly synergistic links between the technology of fuzzy sets (or granular computing, being more general) and neural networks.The most essential advantages of the proposed networks are twofold. First, the transparency of neural architectures becomes highly relevant when dealing with the mechanisms of efficient learning. Here the learning is augmented by the fact that domain knowledge could be easily incorporated in advance prior to any learning. This becomes possible given the compatibility between the architecture of the problem and the induced topology of the neural network. Second, once the training has been completed, the network can be easily interpreted and thus it directly translates into a series of truth-quantifiable logic expressions formed over a collection of information granules.The design process of the logic networks synergistically exploits the principles of information granulation, logic computing and underlying optimization including those biologically inspired techniques (such as particle swarm optimization, genetic algorithms and alike). We elaborate on the existing development trends, present key methodological pursuits and algorithms. In particular, we show how the logic blueprint of the networks is supported by the use of various constructs of fuzzy sets including logic operators, logic neurons, referential operators and fuzzy relational constructs.