Fuzzy inference: Its past and prospects

Fuzzy inference in the past and its future prospects are described to further promote research in the field: First, the basic methods of fuzzy inference are introduced. Then, the progress of fuzzy inference is reviewed, showing its remarkable achievements, especially in industries. A consideration of fuzzy inference is presented from operational viewpoints. It provides a key to creating fuzzy-inference methods in the future. The growing research area of fuzzy inference is also introduced in order to discuss a current direction, reflecting the consideration mentioned above. Moreover, some future prospects on fuzzy inference are presented, which are expected to stimulate research.