Conditions for the existence of the least solution and minimal solutions to fuzzy relation equations over complete Brouwerian lattices (Q713418)

In this paper the properties and existence conditions of minimal solutions to a system of fuzzy relation equations over complete Brouwerian lattices are presented. A necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of the least solution to a system of fuzzy relation equations is provided. Furthermore, a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of minimal solutions to a system of fuzzy relation equations is given, which answers the open problem of the existence of minimal solutions stated in [\textit{A. Di Nola} et al., Fuzzy relation equations and their applications to knowledge engineering. Dordrecht etc.: Kluwer Academic Publishers (1989; Zbl 0694.94025), p. 46]. Moreover, relationships between minimal solutions to a system of fuzzy relation equations and minimal solutions to a fuzzy relation equation in the system are examined by the use of examples. It is also shown by example that not every solution of the system of fuzzy relation equations has a minimal solution which is smaller than the given one.