Approximation capability of fuzzy systems using translations and dilations of one fixed function as membership functions

This paper reports on a related study on approximation theory of fuzzy systems. First, some basic principles are presented to construct membership functions. Then, an approach is proposed to form membership functions by using translations and dilations of one fixed function (called a basis function) which is very similar to that in wavelets analysis. The properties of this type of membership function reflect the advantages of the given approach. Finally, it is proved that fuzzy systems based on such membership functions are universal approximators under certain mild conditions on the basis function. This conclusion expands the family of fuzzy systems which can be universal approximators.