Distinct Interpretations of Importance Query Weights in the Vector p − norm Database Model

Abstract

We propose a model for evaluating soft aggregations of selection conditions with unequal importance in flexible queries to databases, where the importance can have distinct semantics: it can be intended as either relative importance weights, minimum acceptance levels of satisfaction of the conditions, or ideal degrees of satisfaction of the conditions. We define distinct evaluation functions within the unifying framework of the vector p-norm that provides an intuitive geometric interpretation of the query.Keywordsdatabase flexible queryingsemantics of importance query weightssoft selection conditionssoft aggregation operators