The further investigation of covering-based rough sets: Uncertainty characterization, similarity measure and generalized models

The notion of rough sets was originally proposed by Pawlak. In Pawlak’s rough set theory, the equivalence relation or partition plays an important role. However, the equivalence relation or partition is restrictive for many applications because it can only deal with complete information systems. This limits the theory’s application to a certain extent. Therefore covering-based rough sets are derived by replacing the partitions of a universe with its coverings. This paper focuses on the further investigation of covering-based rough sets. Firstly, we discuss the uncertainty of covering in the covering approximation space, and show that it can be characterized by rough entropy and the granulation of covering. Secondly, since it is necessary to measure the similarity between covering rough sets in practical applications such as pattern recognition, image processing and fuzzy reasoning, we present an approach which measures these similarities using a triangular norm. We show that in a covering approximation space, a triangular norm can induce an inclusion degree, and that the similarity measure between covering rough sets can be given according to this triangular norm and inclusion degree. Thirdly, two generalized covering-based rough set models are proposed, and we employ practical examples to illustrate their applications. Finally, relationships between the proposed covering-based rough set models and the existing rough set models are also made.     

Rough set theory for the interval-valued fuzzy information systems

The notion of a rough set was originally proposed by Pawlak [Z. Pawlak, Rough sets, International Journal of Computer and Information Sciences 11 (5) (1982) 341-356]. Later on, Dubois and Prade [D. Dubois, H. Prade, Rough fuzzy sets and fuzzy rough sets, International Journal of General System 17 (2-3) (1990) 191-209] introduced rough fuzzy sets and fuzzy rough sets as a generalization of rough sets. This paper deals with an interval-valued fuzzy information system by means of integrating the classical Pawlak rough set theory with the interval-valued fuzzy set theory and discusses the basic rough set theory for the interval-valued fuzzy information systems. In this paper we firstly define the rough approximation of an interval-valued fuzzy set on the universe U in the classical Pawlak approximation space and the generalized approximation space respectively, i.e., the space on which the interval-valued rough fuzzy set model is built. Secondly several interesting properties of the approximation operators are examined, and the interrelationships of the interval-valued rough fuzzy set models in the classical Pawlak approximation space and the generalized approximation space are investigated. Thirdly we discuss the attribute reduction of the interval-valued fuzzy information systems. Finally, the methods of the knowledge discovery for the interval-valued fuzzy information systems are presented with an example.     

A novel approach to fuzzy rough sets based on a fuzzy covering

This paper proposes an approach to fuzzy rough sets in the framework of lattice theory. The new model for fuzzy rough sets is based on the concepts of both fuzzy covering and binary fuzzy logical operators (fuzzy conjunction and fuzzy implication). The conjunction and implication are connected by using the complete lattice-based adjunction theory. With this theory, fuzzy rough approximation operators are generalized and fundamental properties of these operators are investigated. Particularly, comparative studies of the generalized fuzzy rough sets to the classical fuzzy rough sets and Pawlak rough set are carried out. It is shown that the generalized fuzzy rough sets are an extension of the classical fuzzy rough sets as well as a fuzzification of the Pawlak rough set within the framework of complete lattices. A link between the generalized fuzzy rough approximation operators and fundamental morphological operators is presented in a translation-invariant additive group.     

Characterization of rough set approximations in Atanassov intuitionistic fuzzy set theory

The primitive notions in rough set theory are lower and upper approximation operators defined by a fixed binary relation and satisfying many interesting properties. Many types of generalized rough set models have been proposed in the literature. This paper discusses the rough approximations of Atanassov intuitionistic fuzzy sets in crisp and fuzzy approximation spaces in which both constructive and axiomatic approaches are used. In the constructive approach, concepts of rough intuitionistic fuzzy sets and intuitionistic fuzzy rough sets are defined, properties of rough intuitionistic fuzzy approximation operators and intuitionistic fuzzy rough approximation operators are examined. Different classes of rough intuitionistic fuzzy set algebras and intuitionistic fuzzy rough set algebras are obtained from different types of fuzzy relations. In the axiomatic approach, an operator-oriented characterization of rough sets is proposed, that is, rough intuitionistic fuzzy approximation operators and intuitionistic fuzzy rough approximation operators are defined by axioms. Different axiom sets of upper and lower intuitionistic fuzzy set-theoretic operators guarantee the existence of different types of crisp/fuzzy relations which produce the same operators.     

两类广义粗糙集的拟阵结构

基于邻域粗糙集模型和覆盖粗糙集模型,分别构造了两类拟阵结构,即邻域上近似数诱导的拟阵和覆盖上近似数诱导的拟阵。一方面,通过广义粗糙集定义了两类上近似数,并证明了它们满足拟阵理论中的秩公理,从而由秩函数的观点出发得到了两类拟阵;另一方面,利用粗糙集方法研究了这两类拟阵的独立集、极小圈、闭包、闭集等的表达形式,说明了粗糙集中的上近似算子与拟阵中的闭包算子的关系,进一步通过探讨覆盖和拟阵的关系,得到了覆盖中的元素及其任意并是由覆盖上近似数诱导的拟阵的闭集。     

Generalized interval-valued fuzzy variable precision rough sets determined by fuzzy logical operators

The fuzzy rough set model and interval-valued fuzzy rough set model have been introduced to handle databases with real values and interval values, respectively. Variable precision rough set was advanced by Ziarko to overcome the shortcomings of misclassification and/or perturbation in Pawlak rough sets. By combining fuzzy rough set and variable precision rough set, a variety of fuzzy variable precision rough sets were studied, which cannot only handle numerical data, but are also less sensitive to misclassification. However, fuzzy variable precision rough sets cannot effectively handle interval-valued data-sets. Research into interval-valued fuzzy rough sets for interval-valued fuzzy data-sets has commenced; however, variable precision problems have not been considered in interval-valued fuzzy rough sets and generalized interval-valued fuzzy rough sets based on fuzzy logical operators nor have interval-valued fuzzy sets been considered in variable precision rough sets and fuzzy variable precision rough sets. These current models are incapable of wide application, especially on misclassification and/or perturbation and on interval-valued fuzzy data-sets. In this paper, these models are generalized to a more integrative approach that not only considers interval-valued fuzzy sets, but also variable precision. First, we review generalized interval-valued fuzzy rough sets based on two fuzzy logical operators: interval-valued fuzzy triangular norms and interval-valued fuzzy residual implicators. Second, we propose generalized interval-valued fuzzy variable precision rough sets based on the above two fuzzy logical operators. Finally, we confirm that some existing models, including rough sets, fuzzy variable precision rough sets, interval-valued fuzzy rough sets, generalized fuzzy rough sets and generalized interval-valued fuzzy variable precision rough sets based on fuzzy logical operators, are special cases of the proposed models.     

On axiomatic characterizations of three pairs of covering based approximation operators

Rough set theory is a useful tool for dealing with inexact, uncertain or vague knowledge in information systems. The classical rough set theory is based on equivalence relations and has been extended to covering based generalized rough set theory. This paper investigates three types of covering generalized rough sets within an axiomatic approach. Concepts and basic properties of each type of covering based approximation operators are first reviewed. Axiomatic systems of the covering based approximation operators are then established. The independence of axiom set for characterizing each type of covering based approximation operators is also examined. As a result, two open problems about axiomatic characterizations of covering based approximation operators proposed by Zhu and Wang in (IEEE Transactions on Knowledge and Data Engineering 19(8) (2007) 1131-1144, Proceedings of the Third IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Systems, 2006, pp. 444-449) are solved.     

Minimization of axiom sets on fuzzy approximation operators

Axiomatic characterization of approximation operators is an important aspect in the study of rough set theory. In this paper, we examine the independence of axioms and present the minimal axiom sets characterizing fuzzy rough approximation operators and rough fuzzy approximation operators.     

The axiomatic characterizations on L-fuzzy covering-based approximation operators

Axiomatic characterization is the foundation of L-fuzzy rough set theory: the axiom sets of approximation operators guarantee the existence of L-fuzzy relations or L-fuzzy coverings that reproduce the approximation operators. Axiomatic characterizations of approximation operators based on L-fuzzy coverings have not been fully explored, although those based on L-fuzzy relations have been studied thoroughly. Focusing on three pairs of widely used L-fuzzy covering-based approximation operators, we establish an axiom set for each of them, and their independence is examined. It should be noted that the axiom set of each L-fuzzy covering-based approximation operator is different from its crisp counterpart, with an either new or stronger axiom included in the L-fuzzy version.     

一类覆盖近似算子的动态更新方法

粗糙集理论是一种有效的数据挖掘工具,覆盖粗糙集理论是粗糙集理论中的重要部分。给出了一对覆盖近似算子随数据对象增加的更新方法,并以实例说明了所提出的更新方法的有效性。     

Generalized fuzzy rough sets determined by a triangular norm

The theory of rough sets has become well established as an approach for uncertainty management in a wide variety of applications. Various fuzzy generalizations of rough approximations have been made over the years. This paper presents a general framework for the study of T-fuzzy rough approximation operators in which both the constructive and axiomatic approaches are used. By using a pair of dual triangular norms in the constructive approach, some definitions of the upper and lower approximation operators of fuzzy sets are proposed and analyzed by means of arbitrary fuzzy relations. The connections between special fuzzy relations and the T-upper and T-lower approximation operators of fuzzy sets are also examined. In the axiomatic approach, an operator-oriented characterization of rough sets is proposed, that is, T-fuzzy approximation operators are defined by axioms. Different axiom sets of T-upper and T-lower fuzzy set-theoretic operators guarantee the existence of different types of fuzzy relations producing the same operators. The independence of axioms characterizing the T-fuzzy rough approximation operators is examined. Then the minimal sets of axioms for the characterization of the T-fuzzy approximation operators are presented. Based on information theory, the entropy of the generalized fuzzy approximation space, which is similar to Shannon’s entropy, is formulated. To measure uncertainty in T-generalized fuzzy rough sets, a notion of fuzziness is introduced. Some basic properties of this measure are examined. For a special triangular norm T = min, it is proved that the measure of fuzziness of the generalized fuzzy rough set is equal to zero if and only if the set is crisp and definable.     

相容关系下的覆盖粗糙集

为了更有效地覆盖粗糙集理论应用到数据挖掘领域,所以对相容关系下的覆盖粗糙集进行了一系列的探究。首先介绍了基于相容关系的覆盖的定义以及基于相容关系的覆盖的特例--最大相容类的集合生成的覆盖的一些性质;其次对相容关系下由所有最大相容类的集合生成的覆盖中的可约元进行了讨论,并对这个条件下覆盖是否为单一的覆盖进行了探讨;接着借助于最小描述提出了k-最简覆盖这个概念,并对其做了简单的探究;最后探究了一些评价相容关系下的覆盖粗糙集的数值标准,并且分析了绝对覆盖率和相对覆盖率相等的情况。     

覆盖Value集

覆盖粗糙集和Vague集都是处理不确定性问题的数学工具,它们分别是粗糙集和模糊集的扩展。已有的覆盖粗糙集模型在求上、下近似时,可能将一些实际上并非肯定属于给定集合的元素纳入到下近似中,而一些可能属于给定集合的元素却没有纳入到上近似中,这就会改变一些元素与给定集合的关系。通过深入分析论域中的元素与其相关覆盖元之间的关系,建立了覆盖Vague集。该覆盖Vague集能够从一种新的角度反映出论域中各元素与给定集合之间的从属程度。进一步研究了覆盖Vague集与覆盖粗糙集中一些重要概念之间的关系。最后讨论了当覆盖退化为划分时覆盖Vague集的特性。     

On generalized intuitionistic fuzzy rough approximation operators

In rough set theory, the lower and upper approximation operators defined by binary relations satisfy many interesting properties. Various generalizations of Pawlak’s rough approximations have been made in the literature over the years. This paper proposes a general framework for the study of relation-based intuitionistic fuzzy rough approximation operators within which both constructive and axiomatic approaches are used. In the constructive approach, a pair of lower and upper intuitionistic fuzzy rough approximation operators induced from an arbitrary intuitionistic fuzzy relation are defined. Basic properties of the intuitionistic fuzzy rough approximation operators are then examined. By introducing cut sets of intuitionistic fuzzy sets, classical representations of intuitionistic fuzzy rough approximation operators are presented. The connections between special intuitionistic fuzzy relations and intuitionistic fuzzy rough approximation operators are further established. Finally, an operator-oriented characterization of intuitionistic fuzzy rough sets is proposed, that is, intuitionistic fuzzy rough approximation operators are defined by axioms. Different axiom sets of lower and upper intuitionistic fuzzy set-theoretic operators guarantee the existence of different types of intuitionistic fuzzy relations which produce the same operators.     

覆盖粗糙直觉模糊集模型的研究

粗糙集和直觉模糊集的融合是一个研究热点。在粗糙集、直觉模糊集和覆盖理论基础上,给出了模糊覆盖粗糙隶属度和非隶属度的定义。考虑到元素自身与最小描述元素的隶属度和非隶属度之间的关系,构建了两种新的模型——覆盖粗糙直觉模糊集和覆盖粗糙区间值直觉模糊集,证明了这两种模型的一些重要性质,与此同时定义了一种新的直觉模糊集的相似性度量公式,并用实例说明其应用。     

基于覆盖的直觉模糊粗糙集

通过直觉模糊覆盖概念将覆盖粗糙集模型进行推广,提出一种基于直觉模糊覆盖的直觉模糊粗糙集模型.首先,介绍了直觉模糊集、直觉模糊覆盖和直觉模糊逻辑算子等概念;然后,利用直觉模糊三角模和直觉模糊蕴涵,构建两对基于直觉模糊覆盖的下直觉模糊粗糙近似算子和上直觉模糊粗糙近似算子;最后,给出了这些算子的基本性质并研究了它们之间的对偶性.     

粒计算的集合论描述

粒计算的形式化研究一直没有被仔细讨论.文中在集合论框架下,对粒计算做了系统研究,给出了粒度空间的三层模型(论域,基,粒结构).借用逻辑语言L判定粒的可定义性,将经典粗糙集通过此模型重新解释.根据模型中从基到粒结构不同的构造规则,引出并可约和交可约粒度空间的定义,分别讨论了不同粒度空间下覆盖、基和粒结构的关系,从而给出从覆盖求基的方法;进一步,利用子系统表示方法对扩展粗糙集以及一般的交可约与并可约空间的上下近似进行了研究,分析了现有的4种基于覆盖的粗糙集模型的合理性;研究了形式概念分析以及知识空间的粒度空间模型,给出这两种理论中上下近似的概念.     

Approximations and reducts with covering generalized rough sets

The covering generalized rough sets are an improvement of traditional rough set model to deal with more complex practical problems which the traditional one cannot handle. It is well known that any generalization of traditional rough set theory should first have practical applied background and two important theoretical issues must be addressed. The first one is to present reasonable definitions of set approximations, and the second one is to develop reasonable algorithms for attributes reduct. The existing covering generalized rough sets, however, mainly pay attention to constructing approximation operators. The ideas of constructing lower approximations are similar but the ideas of constructing upper approximations are different and they all seem to be unreasonable. Furthermore, less effort has been put on the discussion of the applied background and the attributes reduct of covering generalized rough sets. In this paper we concentrate our discussion on the above two issues. We first discuss the applied background of covering generalized rough sets by proposing three kinds of datasets which the traditional rough sets cannot handle and improve the definition of upper approximation for covering generalized rough sets to make it more reasonable than the existing ones. Then we study the attributes reduct with covering generalized rough sets and present an algorithm by using discernibility matrix to compute all the attributes reducts with covering generalized rough sets. With these discussions we can set up a basic foundation of the covering generalized rough set theory and broaden its applications.     

The minimization of axiom sets characterizing generalized approximation operators

In the axiomatic approach of rough set theory, rough approximation operators are characterized by a set of axioms that guarantees the existence of certain types of binary relations reproducing the operators. Thus axiomatic characterization of rough approximation operators is an important aspect in the study of rough set theory. In this paper, the independence of axioms of generalized crisp approximation operators is investigated, and their minimal sets of axioms are presented.