Mass function derivation and combination in multivariate data spaces

In this paper, we consider the problem of how to derive mass functions systematically from data samples. We also consider the ensuing problem of how to combine different mass functions derived in this way. We show that a mass function can be efficiently and systematically derived from multivariate data. We also demonstrate that combining mass functions obtained in this manner can be done easily. The way of deriving and combining mass functions is illustrated with a simple example.