Improving the false nearest neighbors method with graphical analysis

We introduce a graphical presentation for the false nearest neighbors (FNN) method. In the original method only the percentage of false neighbors is c omputed without regard to the distribution of neighboring points in the tim e-delay coordinates. With this presentation it is much easier;:to distingui sh deterministic chaos from noise. The graphical approach also serves as a tool to determine better conditions for detecting low-dimensional chaos, an d to get a better understanding on the applicability of the FNN method. [S1 063-651X(99)07507-8].