Fuzzy triggers: incorporating imprecise reasoning into active databases

Abstract

Traditional event-condition-action triggers (active database rules) include a Boolean predicate as a trigger condition. We propose fuzzy triggers whereby fuzzy inference is utilized in the condition evaluation. In this way, approximate reasoning may be integrated with a traditional crisp database. The new approach paves the way for intuitive expression of application semantics of imprecise nature, in database-bound applications. Two fuzzy trigger models are proposed. Firstly, a set of fuzzy rules is encapsulated into a Boolean-valued function called a rule set function, leading to the C-fuzzy trigger model. Subsequently, actions are expressed also in fuzzy terms, and the corresponding CA-fuzzy trigger model is proposed. Examples are provided to illustrate how fuzzy triggers can be applied to a real-life drive control system in an industrial installation.