Shadowed sets: representing and processing fuzzy sets.

This study introduces a new concept of shadowed sets that can be regarded as a certain operational framework simplifying processing carried out with the aid of fuzzy sets and enhancing interpretation of results obtained therein. Some conceptual links between this idea and some others known in the literature are established. In particular, it is demonstrated how fuzzy sets can induce shadowed sets. Subsequently, shadowed sets reveal interesting conceptual and algorithmic relationships existing between rough sets and fuzzy sets. Detailed computational aspects of shadowed sets are discussed. Several illustrative examples are provided.