Derive knowledge of Z-number from the perspective of Dempster–Shafer evidence theory

Abstract Z-number, combined with constraint and reliability of the information, is an effective frame to simulate the thinking of humans. How to derive knowledge of Z-numbers, especially from the objective data may become a fascinating and open issue. In this paper, a method of deriving knowledge of Z-numbers from the perspective of Dempster–Shafer theory is proposed. The proposed method considers the Z-number generating from objective and subjective data using Dempster–Shafer theory. Some numerical examples and experimental simulations are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.