A SEMIQUALITATIVE REASONING AND ITS REALISTIC APPLICATIONS

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to develop an algorithm for dealing with semiqualitative knowledge that keeps advantages of both qualitative quantification (positive, zero, negative) and order of magnitude (... 0,10, 100,...)knowledge systems and eliminates their disadvantages. A set of numerical intervals I_j =(positive values) can be used to quantify e.g. constants of a mathematical model. A dynamic behaviour is described as an oriented graph, where nodes are defined by sets of intervals and a set of arcs specifies all possible transitions. A case study (5 differential equations/chemical reactor) is given in full detail.

KEYWORDS:

• Interval
• Order of magnitude
• Semiqualitative
• Qualitative
• State graph.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

M. DOHNAL

To whom correspondence should be sent.