In many system state forecasting applications, the prediction is performed based on multiple datasets, each corresponding to a distinct system condition. The traditional methods dealing with multiple datasets (e.g., vector autoregressive moving average models and neural networks) have some shortcomings, such as limited modeling capability and opaque reasoning operations. To tackle these problems, a novel fuzzy neural network (FNN) is proposed in this paper to effectively extract information from multiple datasets, so as to improve forecasting accuracy. The proposed predictor consists of both autoregressive (AR) nodes modeling and nonlinear nodes modeling; AR models/nodes are used to capture the linear correlation of the datasets, and the nonlinear correlation of the datasets are modeled with nonlinear neuron nodes. A novel particle swarm technique [i.e., Laplace particle swarm (LPS) method] is proposed to facilitate parameters estimation of the predictor and improve modeling accuracy. The effectiveness of the developed FNN predictor and the associated LPS method is verified by a series of tests related to Mackey-Glass data forecast, exchange rate data prediction, and gear system prognosis. Test results show that the developed FNN predictor and the LPS method can capture the dynamics of multiple datasets effectively and track system characteristics accurately.

The commonly used genetic algorithms (GAs) have some shortcomings in applications such as lengthy computations and slow convergence. A novel enhanced genetic algorithm, EGA, technique is developed in this paper to overcome these problems to enhance the efficiency in system training and optimization. The proposed EGA technique involves two approaches: a) a novel group-based branch crossover operator is suggested to thoroughly explore local space and to speed convergence, and b) an enhanced MPT (Makinen-Periaux-Toivanen) mutation operator is proposed to promote global search capability. The effectiveness of the developed EGA is verified by simulations using benchmark test problems. Test results show that the EGA technique can improve the classical GA methods with respect to convergence speed and global search capability.

The detection of the onset of damage in gear systems is of great importance to industry. In this paper, a new neuro-fuzzy diagnostic system is developed, whereby the strengths of three robust signal processing techniques are integrated. The adopted techniques are: the continuous wavelet transform (amplitude) and beta kurtosis based on the overall residual signal, and the phase modulation by employing the signal average. Three reference functions are proposed as post-processing techniques to enhance the feature characteristics in a way that increases the accuracy of fault detection. Monitoring indexes are derived to facilitate the automatic diagnoses. A constrained-gradient-reliability algorithm is developed to train the fuzzy membership function parameters and rule weights, while the required fuzzy completeness is retained. The system output is set to different monitoring levels by using an optimization procedure to facilitate the decision-making process. The test results demonstrate that the novel neuro-fuzzy system, because of its adaptability and robustness, significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy. It outperforms other related classifiers, such as those based on fuzzy logic and neuro-fuzzy schemes, which adopt different types of rule weights and employ different training algorithms.