Expert Knowledge Based Systems Software Expert Knowledge Based Systems

Learning Objectives Applications in medicine including: doctors' information systems hospital and pharmacy records monitoring expert systems for diagnosis

An example expert system http://www.yourdiagnosis.com/

Expert / Knowledge Systems Contain as much data as possible about a restricted knowledge area. The data is collected from as many expert sources as possible and stored in the system, in this way it is hoped that the system contains all the knowledge about that topic that there is. Rely on the belief that for any given area of knowledge there are logical rules. Only applies to scientific principles: E.g. If there is a rule that oil is always found between two particular types of rock strata, then if the system identifies the strata it can determine, according to the rules, where to drill for oil.

Expert systems consist of a: Interactive Input Screen (HCI – Human Computer Interface / UI – User Interface) User inputs details manually or sensors automatically input readings. Knowledge base Data about the application area. E.g. Medical system - All the knowledge about diseases from all the best doctors in their fields. Rule Base A set of rules that apply to the situation. E.g. Medical system - one rule may be: “If the patient has a headache then they should take two aspirin”. Inference Engine Checks through everything to find out what will fit all the rules. E.g. Medical system - Should the patient be given aspirins? (The patient may have an ulcer so should not take aspirins). Output Screen (HCI – Human Computer Interface / UI – User Interface) Outputs the inference engine’s findings. E.g. Medical System - You should …

Note: Expert systems only apply to situations which follow scientific principles and use logical reasoning to decision making.

Plenary Explain the function of a expert / knowledge system. State and explain the four parts of an expert / knowledge system.