An investigation into the application of neural networks, fuzzy logic, genetic algorithms, and rough sets to automated knowledge acquisition for classification problems

This paper presents some highlights in the application of neural networks, fuzzy logic, genetic algorithms, and rough sets to automated knowledge acquisition. These techniques are capable of dealing with inexact and imprecise problem domains and have been demonstrated to be useful in the solution of classification problems. It addresses the issue of the application of appropriate evaluation criteria such as rule base accuracy and comprehensibility for new knowledge acquisition techniques. An empirical study is then described in which three approaches to knowledge acquisition are investigated. The first approach combines neural networks and fuzzy logic, the second, genetic algorithms and fuzzy logic, and in the third a rough sets approach has been examined, and compared. In this study neural network and genetic algorithm fuzzy rule induction systems have been developed and applied to three classification problems. Rule induction software based on rough sets theory was also used to generate and test rule bases for the same data. A comparison of these approaches with the C4.5 inductive algorithm was also carried out. Our research to date indicates that, based on the evaluation criteria used, the genetic/fuzzy approach compares more than favourably with the neuro/fuzzy and rough set approaches. On the data sets used the genetic algorithm system displays a higher accuracy of classification and rule base comprehensibility than the C4.5 inductive algorithm. ( 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.