A flexible bipolar querying approach with imprecise data and guaranteed results

In this paper, we propose an approach to query a database when the user preferences are bipolar (i.e., express both constraints and wishes about the desired result) and the data stored in the database are imprecise. Results are then completely ordered with respect to these bipolar preferences, giving priority to constraints over wishes. Additionally, we propose a treatment that allows us to guarantee that any query will return a result, even if no element satisfies all constraints specified by the user. Such a treatment may be useful when user’s constraints are unrealistic (i.e., cannot be all satisfied simultaneously) and when the user desires a guaranteed result. The approach is illustrated on a real-world problem concerning the selection of optimal packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables.