1. Expert Systems

2. What is an expert system?  An expert system is a computer system that is able to emulate the decision making ability of a human expert.  The inference engine is a piece of software that searches the knowledge base.  Expert systems are non-procedural, meaning they use rules and facts to find data in the knowledge base, similar to prolog.  An expert system is a computer system that is able to emulate the decision making ability of a human expert.  The inference engine is a piece of software that searches the knowledge base.  Expert systems are non-procedural, meaning they use rules and facts to find data in the knowledge base, similar to prolog.

3. Examples of expert systems  Diagnostic tool for fixing machinery and vehicles  Diagnosis applications used to help doctors  Telephone based help desk  Finance firm for making loans and credit decisions  Diagnostic tool for fixing machinery and vehicles  Diagnosis applications used to help doctors  Telephone based help desk  Finance firm for making loans and credit decisions

4. Why do some professional groups not like expert systems?  A lot of effort and cost has to go into making a good expert system.  Its not as good as having human experts to hand.  A professional may be replaced by an expert system.  Expert systems may not come up with creative solutions.  A lot of effort and cost has to go into making a good expert system.  Its not as good as having human experts to hand.  A professional may be replaced by an expert system.  Expert systems may not come up with creative solutions.

5. Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages  Expert advice available all the time  Knowledge of expert staff can be captured to some extent before they move on.  Does not get tired or overworked. Disadvantages  Usually only covers a narrow range of knowledge  Not as good as having human experts to hand.  A lot of effort and cost has to go into making a good expert system

6. Questions  Q: What is the purpose of the inference engine?  Q: What is a knowledge base?  Q: Given an advantage of using an expert system in comparison to a human expert.  Q: Given an example of an expert system.  Q: What is the purpose of the inference engine?  Q: What is a knowledge base?  Q: Given an advantage of using an expert system in comparison to a human expert.  Q: Given an example of an expert system.