A Constraint Based Fuzzy Object Oriented Database Model

Abstract

The objective of this chapter is to define a fuzzy object-oriented formal database model that allows us to model and manipulate information in a (true to nature) natural way. Not all the elements (data) that occur in the real world are fully known or defined in a perfect way. Classical database models only allow the manipulation of accurately defined data in an adequate way. The presented model was built upon an object-oriented type system and an elaborated constraint system, which, respectively, support the definitions of types and constraints. Types and constraints are the basic building blocks of object schemes, which, in turn, are used for defining database schemes. Finally, the definition of the database model was obtained by providing adequate data definition operators and data manipulation operators. Novelties in the approach are the incorporation of generalized constraints and of extended possibilistic truth values, which allow for a better representation of data(base) semantics.