Multi-segmental representations and approximation of set-valued functions with 1D images

In this work univariate set-valued functions (SVFs, multifunctions) with 1D compact sets as images are considered. For such a continuous SFV of bounded variation (CBV multifunction), we show that the boundaries of its graph are continuous, and inherit the continuity properties of the SVF. Based on these results we introduce a special class of representations of CBV multifunctions with a finite number of ‘holes’ in their graphs. Each such representation is a finite union of SVFs with compact convex images having boundaries with continuity properties as those of the represented SVF. With the help of these representations, positive linear operators are adapted to SVFs. For specific positive approximation operators error estimates are obtained in terms of the continuity properties of the approximated multifunction.