A review of fuzzy clustering methods

It is well known^1-4 that one of the basic motivations behind Fuzzy Set Theory is to attempt to express the Pattern Recognition problem in an exact manner by formulating the problem within the context of imprecise categories. In addition the question of 'conventional' Cluster Analysis (that is whether or not a group of objects form homogeneous clusters or patterns) is itself a fuzzy one and the repsentation of clusters by fuzzy sets may be more appropriate in certain situations. This paper is intended to provide a comprehensive survey of the increasing volume of literature to be found on Fuzzy Clustering methods. A list of the more popular journals on the subject, useful books and papers and a selection of application areas are quoted. It is worth noting that Fuzzy Clustering Techniques seem destined to play a considerable part in the development of the fifth generation of computer systems, expert systems and knowledge engineering and hence an introductory guide from a computing standpoint may prove helpful. © 1984.