On selection of optimal cuts in complete multi-scale decision tables

Abstract

In this paper, a novel optimal scale selection method in complete multi-scale decision tables has been proposed. Unlike the existing approaches in the literature, we employ the tools of granularity trees and cuts for each attribute. Each granularity tree has many different local cuts, which represent various scale selection methods under a specific attribute. Different local cuts collectively forms a global cut of a multi-scale information table, which in turn induces an information table with a mixed scale. One distinct feature of such tables is that the attribute values of different objects may be obtained at different scales for the same attribute. By keeping maximal consistency of the derived mixed-scale decision table, we introduce the notions of optimal cuts in multi-scale decision tables. Then, a comparative study between different types of optimal scale selection methods is performed. Finally, an algorithm is designed to verify the validity of the proposed approach.