Fuzzy Set Manipulation Based on Object-Oriented Paradigm

Abstract

Representation of fuzzy set processing on computer systems is an important matter as a basis for the construction of intelligent systems based on fuzzy set theory. Fuzzy sets can be represented in various kinds of data structure and the integration of them is difficult. In this paper, the feasibility of fuzzy set manipulation based on object-oriented paradigm is studied, with the idea that object-orientation has the power of data abstraction and integrating various data structures. The fuzzy set manipulation system FOPS, which was developed as an prototype system, integrates two basic fuzzy set representaions AFS (arrayed fuzzy set) and PFS (paired fuzzy set), and realizes easy manipulation of fuzzy sets by treating fuzzy sets as numbers. It was shown that data abstraction ability and polymorphism in object-orientation are effective for fuzzy set manipulation. Details of internal data structures and evaluation of the developed system are also discussed.