Expert Systems

Processor of a computer is known as the ‘brains’ of a computer. However, a processor cannot think or act for itself.

Computers do have some form of intelligence this is know as Artificial Intelligence.

An Expert System is a type of Artificial Intelligence Program.

Artificial Intelligence

The use of programs to enable machines to perform tasks which humans perform using their intelligence.

Mimic the learning capability of a human or animal.

• Asimo – Robot

• AIBO – Sony Dog

Expert System

A program which uses a large database of knowledge about one particular subject. It can make decisions and offer advice on that particular subject.

For example:

• diagnose human illnesses (nhs direct)

• make financial forecasts

• schedule routes for delivery vehicles (AA route planner)

• Chemical Analysis

• Troubleshooting process

Some expert systems are designed to take the place of human experts, while others are designed to aid them.

An expert system is made up of three parts:

Coding or programming. Known as Inference engine.

The screen is created, the interface for the user. This is known as explanatory

interface.

Database of facts and rules. This is the job of the knowledge engineer. This process is

called knowledge acquisition.

• Collection of all the facts

• All the facts are typed into a database

• Programmer would create the program• User Friendly interface is created

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/selfhelpguide/

www.theaa.com/travelwatch/planner_main.jsp

Examples:

Advantages - Credit

1. Training of humans can be expensive. Expert systems can be copied.

2. Computers are accessible. Don’t get sick, go on holiday.

3. Contain accumulated knowledge from more than one human.

Disadvantages - Credit

1. Inflexible can only act within the rules that they have.

2. Expert systems have no common sense.

3. Expert system cannot skip steps.

1. Get a route to Alton towers Save page into your word processing folder

2. Lake district – Lake Windermere

3. Milton Keynes shopping centre

4. London

From Shelley Drive Clydebank

NHS direct

Pain in left side of abdomen

Sharp pain in left shoulder