Abstract: This paper attempts to study granular computing system as a whole by adoption of the qualitative research method, ensuring the integrity of granular computing system to guide the research and development of granular computing. Through thorough research in longitudinally advancing and transversely absorbing aspects and development of granular computing, the paper explains the necessity of the advanced development of granular computing system based on the existing research results. The authors classify the whole development process of granular computing system into 3 stages：initial stage, intermediate stage（three-element model） and later stage（four- element model）, then build the four-element model, which is seen as three main forms：granulating thinking-orientation, granulating problem solving pushing-granulating information processing pulling and self- cooperation development. As a result, the authors expound and construct a new granular computing system in four elements as the core.

Key words: granular computing, granular computing system, four element, four-element model

摘要： 为了保证粒计算体系的完整性，用以指导粒计算的研究与发展，采取了质性研究方法，把粒计算看成一个整体进行考察。通过对粒计算研究与发展的纵向推进与横向吸纳等方面的深入考察，在已有研究成果的基础之上解释了粒计算体系向高级形式发展的必然性。在此基础上，把粒计算体系的发展分为初期、中期（三元模型）、后期（四元模型）三个阶段；建立了四元模型；根据主导驱动元素的不同把四元模型阶段分为粒化思维导向型、粒化问题求解推动-粒化信息处理拉动导向型和自觉协同型三个主要表现形态，从而构建了以四元为核心的粒计算新体系。

关键词: 粒计算, 粒计算体系, 四元, 四元模型