Representing Asymmetric Decision Problems Using Coarse Valuations

Abstract

A valuation-based system approach to knowledge representation has shown its advantages in improving computational efficiency and in allowing many decision models including belief networks. This study applies the Dempster–Shafer theory of belief functions and extends its framework to allow coarse valuations, which admit incomplete specification of probabilities and utilities and, therefore, are more flexible in representing asymmetric decision problems. It presents an algorithm for making inferences and decisions in systems using coarse valuations. It shows that a coarse valuation-based system provides a most natural and compact representation of decision problems.