Since the late 1980s, a large number of very user-friendly tools for
fuzzy control, fuzzy expert systems, and fuzzy data analysis have
emerged. This has changed the character of this area and started the
area of `fuzzy technology'. The next large step in the development
occurred in 1992 when almost independently in Europe, Japan and the USA,
the three areas of fuzzy technology, artificial neural nets and genetic
algorithms joined forces under the title of `computational
intelligence' or `soft computing'. The synergies which were possible
between these three areas have been exploited very successfully.
Practical Applications of Fuzzy Sets focuses on model and real
applications of fuzzy sets, and is structured into four major parts:
engineering and natural sciences; medicine; management; and behavioral,
cognitive and social sciences. This book will be useful for
practitioners of fuzzy technology, scientists and students who are
looking for applications of their models and methods, for topics of
their theses, and even for venture capitalists who look for attractive
possibilities for investments.