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Expert Systems
An expert system is a knowledge-based system which attempts to replace a human 'expert' in a particular field.

The system will consist of

  • a large database of knowledge
  • facilities for searching the knowledge database
  • a set of rules for making deductions from the data (inference engine)
Example

A medical diagnosis  expert system (eg MYCIN) would have information about diseases and their symptoms, the drugs used in treatments etc.

A patient is asked by a doctor about symptoms and the replies are input to the expert system. The computer searches its database, uses its rules and makes suggestions about the disease and its treatments. Sometimes probabilities are assigned to diagnoses.

The computer does not take the place of the doctor but can be used to help the doctor make decisions.

Advantages.

  • The computer can store far more information than a human.
  • The computer does not 'forget' or make mistakes.
  • Data can be kept up-to-date.
  • The expert system is always available 24 hours a day and will never 'retire'.
  • The system can be used at a distance over a network.

Disadvantages

  • Well we don't want to do the experts out of jobs!
  • Lacks the 'human touch'!

 

Exercise : Expert Systems
An expert system is a knowledge-based system which uses a of knowledge and pre-defined to make deductions.

Expert systems than humans, are more reliable and can be made available any time.

Examples : Medical Diagnosis, Rock Analysis, Plant identification....

 
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