Physica Similarity and Compatibility in Fuzzy Set Theory: Assessment and Applications: 93 (Studies in Fuzziness and Soft Computing, 93)

Assessing the degree to which two objects, an object and a query, or two concepts are similar or compatible is a fundamental component of human reasoning and consequently is critical in the development of automated diagnosis, classification, information retrieval and decision systems. The assessment of similarity has played an important role in such diverse disciplines such as taxonomy, psychology, and the social sciences. Each discipline has proposed methods for quantifying similarity judgments suitable for its particular applications. This book presents a unified approach to quantifying similarity and compatibility within the framework of fuzzy set theory and examines the primary importance of these concepts in approximate reasoning. Examples of the application of similarity measures in various areas including expert systems, information retrieval, and intelligent database systems are provided. Review From the reviews: "The present book is a monograph devoted to exploring the fuzzy approach to modeling the similarity phenomenon. … I think the attempt to provide a link between the earlier approaches to modeling of similarity … and the current approaches being developed in the framework of fuzzy set theory is a very fortunate one. … the book collects important material which was needed. I believe it will become a useful source for researchers and practitioners involved in fuzzy modeling and modeling of similarity." (Radim Belohlavek, International Journal of General Systems; Methodology, Applications, Education, Vol. 32 (6), 2003) "This book presents various types of techniques for compatibility assessment in applications of fuzzy set theory and approximate reasoning. … The book will be useful for researchers in the fields of pattern recognition, classification and intelligent systems." (Robert Fullér, Mathematical Reviews, 2003 b) "This book provides a pioneering review of compatibility measures in fuzzy set theory and related areas. As a result, this book is likely to be valuable for all researchers working in this area. ... By any criterion, this book can be regarded as being successful in providing a comprehensive understanding of compatibility measures that will be worthwhile for any researcher." (Christian Setzkorn, Expert Update, Vol. 5 (3), 2002) From the Back Cover Assessing the degree to which two objects, an object and a query, or two concepts are similar or compatible is a fundamental component of human reasoning and consequently is critical in the development of automated diagnosis, classification, information retrieval and decision systems. The assessment of similarity has played an important role in such diverse disciplines such as taxonomy, psychology, and the social sciences. Each discipline has proposed methods for quantifying similarity judgments suitable for its particular applications. This book presents a unified approach to quantifying similarity and compatibility within the framework of fuzzy set theory and examines the primary importance of these concepts in approximate reasoning. Examples of the application of similarity measures in various areas including expert systems, information retrieval, and intelligent database systems are provided.