A model for type-2 fuzzy rough sets

Rough set theory is an important approach to granular computing. Type-1 fuzzy set theory permits the gradual assessment of the memberships of elements in a set. Hybridization of these assessments results in a fuzzy rough set theory. Type-2 fuzzy sets possess many advantages over type-1 fuzzy sets because their membership functions are themselves fuzzy, which makes it possible to model and minimize the effects of uncertainty in type-1 fuzzy logic systems. Existing definitions of type-2 fuzzy rough sets are based on vertical-slice or α-plane representations of type-2 fuzzy sets, and the granular structure of type-2 fuzzy rough sets has not been discussed. In this paper, a definition of type-2 fuzzy rough sets based on a wavy-slice representation of type-2 fuzzy sets is given. Then the concepts of granular type-2 fuzzy sets are proposed, and their properties are investigated. Finally, granular type-2 fuzzy sets are used to describe the granular structures of the lower and upper approximations of a type-2 fuzzy set, and an example of attribute reduction is given. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.