Implementing imprecision in information systems (Q1069323)

The aim of data base management system designers is to provide the user with the ability to store data that can be used in deriving information satisfying the user's information needs. Information provided by data bases is frequently used as an input in decision making and problem solving in uncertain environments. Human beings deal with uncertainty by applying approximate reasoning which enables them to deal with uncertainty and imprecise, incomplete, or vague information. Therefore, there is a need for information systems and expert systems that allow representation and manipulation of imprecise information in order to model human reasoning. Furthermore, it is desirable that such systems provide means for ''individualization'' to reflect the user's perception of data and the information requirements. The fuzzy relational data base (FRDB) model presented in this paper is based on research in the fields of relational data bases and theories of fuzzy sets and possibility. It is designed to satisfy the need for individualization and imprecise information processing. After the introduction to the underlying theory, the FRDB model architecture and query language are presented. Finally, the possible applications of the FRDB in imprecise information processing are discussed.