Toward a Theory of Validation of Hybrid MinMax FuzzyNeuro Systems

The validation and verification (V&V) of hybrid fuzzyneuro (HFN) or hybrid neurofuzzy (HNF) systems becomes of increasing concern as these systems are fielded and embedded in the every day operations of medical diagnosis, pattern recognition, fuzzy control and other industries-particularly so when life-critical and environment-critical aspects are involved. We provide in this paper a V&V perspective on the nature of HFN components, an appropriate life-cycle, and applicable systematic formal testing approaches. We consider why HFN V&V may be both easier and harder than traditional means, and we conclude with a series of practical V&V guidelines. Validation of HFN systems brings us to a systematic study of value approximation performed during the inference phase. It is accepted that generalization capability is proportional to value approximation.