Two approaches for information retrieval through fuzzy associations

Two approaches for the formulation of information through fuzzy associations are presented. A fuzzy association is introduced as a fuzzy relation defined on a set of indices to a database. One approach is the extension of fuzzy indices to a database using fuzzy associations. A fuzzy association is a generalization of the concept of fuzzy thesauri. An algorithm for fuzzy information retrieval based on this approach is developed. The other approach represents the retrieval process as a block diagram. Maximum and minimum operations are used instead of the ordinary sum and product operations on the diagram. Studies of advanced indexing, such as the clustering of articles, are represented as feedback on the diagram. Properties of fuzzy information retrieval, such as level fuzzy sets and set operations on responses of the retrieval system, are discussed using the diagram representation