Fuzzy models—What are they, and why? [Editorial]

IT is my great pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural issue of the IEEE TRANSACTIONOSN FUZZY SYSTEMS. Many of you are probably quite familiar with the basic ideas underlying fuzzy sets and systems that utilize fuzzy models. However, there will also be readers who are looking at the contents of this issue, wondering what it´s all about. For this latter group, the papers in this first issue may seem bewildering, for they are quite technical, and none are tutorial in nature. Consequently, this preface is divided into two parts. Section I contains a brief introduction to the basic ideas of our science, in hopes that this glimpse will help you understand the articles, but perhaps more importantly, pique your interest in fuzzy models. Section I1 gives a short prCcis and historical perspective of the field, and how it has led to the creation of this journal.