The vehicle dispatching problem for cooperative deliveries from multiple depots (VDP/CD/MD) is an important and difficult problem in the transport industries. To solve the VDP/CD/MD, A hierarchical multiplex structure (HIMS++) calculation model is proposed. The HIMS++ model takes advantage of object-oriented modeling, heuristic method, and fuzzy inference in (atomic, molecular, individual) three layers, so it can find a utility decision (vehicles plan) close to expert dispatcher. Furthermore, since the vital input parameters are few and the computational engine is packaged into a software component, the HIMS++ model is a convenient tool for the VDP/CD/MD. The HIMS++ model and its optimization algorithm are implemented as a software component using object-oriented paradigm, and through metaprogramming. The performance of the HIMS++ model is evaluated through experiments using 3-days oil delivery data taken from an actual dispatching center in Tokyo area. A total of 27 tank lorries are available for daily cooperative deliveries from three depots to about 30–60 destinations with different owners are used to save a running cost. The experimental results and the evaluations by human experts confirm that the HIMS++ model is better than the results of experienced dispatchers in six evaluation objectives, and can be applied to the planning support system for the VDP/CD/MD. The HIMS++ model will be able to cover similar transportation problems in the real world. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A systematic method to construct stabilization fuzzy controllers for a single pendulum system and a series-type double pendulum system is presented based on the single input rule modules (SIRMs) dynamically connected fuzzy inference model. The angle and angular velocity of each pendulum and the position and velocity of the cart are selected as the input items. Each input item is given with a SIRM and a dynamic importance degree. All the SIRMs have the same rule setting. The dynamic importance degrees use the absolute value(s) of the angle(s) of the pendulum(s) as the antecedent variable(s). The dynamic importance degrees are designed such that the upper pendulum angular control takes the highest priority and the cart position control takes the lowest priority when the upper pendulum is not balanced upright. The control priority orders are automatically adjusted according to control situations. The simulation results show that the proposed fuzzy controllers have high generalization ability to completely stabilize a wide range of single pendulum systems and series-type double pendulum systems in short time. By extending the architecture, a stabilization fuzzy controller for a series-type triple pendulum system is even possible. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Proposed is a certain generalization of nonmonotonic fuzzy set operators introduced originally by R. R. Yager. By introducing a modulating function one can effectively model situations in which available information interacts (overlaps) with a given default fuzzy set. Discussed is a complete learning environment in which the default values (sets) can be derived based upon some experimental data. The role of the nonmonotonic operations is also revealed in the setting of reasoning carried out in the presence of fuzzy data. ©1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Concept formation contrives one among vital issues in all fields of science. It can be stated that, to a significant degree, a scientific discovery is related to various aspects of creation of general categories out of a mass of raw empirical data analyzed from a suitable perspective. Thus, as it is seen now, the concept of any notion is constructed on the basis of a significant amount of previous experience. Despite a lot of research completed, there still exists a number of open questions about diverse features of the constructed concepts. In this article we develop a framework for concept formation making use of a logical platform of fuzzy sets combined with mechanisms of neurocom-putations. It will be indicated how for a given naming of the concept its description can be derived. Moreover, a particular attention will be devoted to mechanisms justifying a relevance of the concepts with respect to a collection of available empirical facts. This may play a primordial role in recognizing some limitations of a character of the concept (i.e., its generality or specificity) which cannot be exceeded simultaneously not losing consistency with the family of collected objects utilized within the process of concept formation.