Principles of Imprecise-Information Processing
Shiyou Lian
Abstract
If disposing of this product, please recycle the paper. Preface to the Second EditionIn recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) develops rapidly, and large language models (LLMs) takes the lead.However, the method of LLMs only models sentences according to the sequence relationship between words but does not model words.While the mathematical models of words, especially flexible words (we call them the flexible linguistic values) are also important even necessary in artificial intelligence.Because there are a large number of flexible words in our natural language, as LLMs processing natural language, they are inevitable to encounter or involve flexible words.We know that behind a flexible word lies a flexible concept, and each flexible concept has its own specific connotation and denotation.Although LLMs can use flexible vocabulary through learning from massive natural language texts, this method of learning only from application only has "partial understanding" of a flexible concept denoted by specific flexible word.While for a flexible concept, a strict mathematical model is established by its connotation and denotation, the knowledge about the corresponding flexible word is reliable and complete.For the modeling of flexible words, a set of approaches and techniques already had been provided in the book-Principles of Imprecise-Information Processing.Then, LLMs are combined with imprecise-information processing technology, especially with flexible language processing technology in which, the two will complement each other.Thus, the capability of flexible language processing will further be enhanced and extended.Principles of Imprecise-Information Processing was published by Springer Nature in 2016.In which, a new theoretical and technological system of flexible language processing distinct from fuzzy technology had been established.The book has received praise from relevant scholars and received good social feedback (more than 10,000 downloads of e-books alone).Of course, the author also discovered some flaws, shortcomings, and even errors in the book after it is published.Therefore, the author revises and improves the contents in the book.On the other hand, in order to align with the LLMs, the author makes appropriate supplements to the related chapters and sections.Thus, the second edition of the book has been published.Specifically, the second edition has made significant modifications to the original Chaps. 1, 6, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24, and 26, in which some subsections v vi Preface to the Second Edition and paragraphs are rewritten, some are deleted, and some are added.In particular, some concepts are clarified and several terms are corrected.In addition, more than ten illustrations are modified, deleted, and added.But the overall structure of original version remains unchanged, with only minor adjustments.In summary, compared to the first edition, the second edition has made new improvements in both content and expression.Of course, due to the limitation of the author's level, the shortcomings and even errors