Reducts‐driven query answering for distributed autonomous knowledge systems

In this article we show the role of equations and rules as definitions of attribute values. Such definitions can be used in many ways but in this article we concentrate on their applications to intelligent query answering. They are used as a tool for knowledge exchange between independently built knowledge systems.The Intelligent Query Answering System (IQAS) decides which sites are optimal for extracting definitions needed to solve a query. These optimal sets are identified by a search strategy based on rough sets theory, introduced by Z. Pawlak. 8 We introduce the notion of shared operational semantics. To put the shared operational semantics on a firm theoretical foundation we proposed a formal interpretation that justifies empirical equations and rules in their definitional role. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.