Towards a unifying framework for a fuzzy object model

Numerous approaches have been proposed to enhance object-oriented databases and models using fuzzy set theory. A consistent and cohesive framework for a fuzzy object model, however, is lacking. Such a framework is essential to integrate the past research, to provide insights for future research efforts, to provide a basis against which researchers can compare conclusions, and to promote the successful commercial/industrial impact of research in fuzzy object-oriented databases. The initial construction of a framework begins with a review of the various kinds of uncertainty in object and type attribute values and a description of their effects on the subtype/supertype hierarchy. An initial set of principles is outlined for a fuzzy set data type, a fuzzy object, an anonymous object, a fuzzy type, the fuzzy subtype/supertype hierarchy and fuzzy inheritance. Research issues related to these principles are identified.