Query-answering in fuzzy temporal constraint networks

Temporal constraint networks are a well-known powerful formalism for encoding temporal knowledge based on the CSP techniques. A redefinition of metric temporal constraints to cope with vagueness of temporal relations based on fuzzy sets, called fuzzy temporal constraint networks has been proposed previously. In this paper the authors identify those queries on a fuzzy temporal constraint network relevant to a knowledge-based reasoning system. The authors provide definitions for their answering and explore the functions on which they are based by discussing the different choices for them. These results can be useful to those interested in defining a system for temporal reasoning under uncertainty. For instance, the authors satisfactorily applied them to the definition of a possibilistic temporal reasoning system.<>