Building Expert Systems

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Questions and Answers

What forms can knowledge be populated in an expert system?

Knowledge can be populated using rules, decision trees, or as objects (frames).

What are the main components of an Expert System Shell?

The main components include a user interface, inference engine, and a structured knowledge base.

How can the knowledge base in an expert system shell be enhanced?

The knowledge base can be enhanced through external database connectivity and knowledge base editors.

What function does the inference engine serve in an expert system?

The inference engine accesses the knowledge base and solves problems using backward chaining or forward chaining. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Explanation System in an expert system shell?

The Explanation System provides users with reasons and explanations for the answers given. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the three major parties involved in designing an expert system?

The three major parties are the expert, knowledge engineer, and software engineer. Signup and view all the answers

Can the inference engine in an expert system shell be programmed in different languages?

Yes, the inference engine can be programmed in various languages like ProLog. Signup and view all the answers

What does ES Builder stand for?

ES Builder stands for Expert System Builder. Signup and view all the answers

What is an expert system and how does it function similarly to a human expert?

An expert system is an intelligent program that mimics the problem-solving behavior of a human expert by applying problem-solving knowledge to domain-specific knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

List three key features of expert systems.

Expert systems operate on a specific domain, process incomplete information, and provide reasons for their answers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of an expert system shell in developing expert systems?

An expert system shell provides built-in components and a framework allowing knowledge engineers to populate the knowledge base more easily. Signup and view all the answers

How do expert system shells differ in their approach to knowledge modeling?

Expert system shells offer various ways to represent knowledge in the knowledge base, catering to different requirements and standards. Signup and view all the answers

What are the components typically included in an expert system shell?

An expert system shell typically includes a knowledge representation scheme and an inference engine. Signup and view all the answers

Mention one advantage of using an expert system shell over developing an expert system from scratch.

Using an expert system shell saves time and effort as it provides built-in components that can be customized for specific applications. Signup and view all the answers

In what kind of programming language can expert systems be developed from scratch?

Expert systems can be developed from scratch using Logic Programming languages like ProLog. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what is meant by 'processing incomplete information' in the context of expert systems.

Processing incomplete information means that expert systems can work with partial data to provide probable solutions instead of requiring complete knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Expert Systems

Intelligent programs that replicate human expert problem-solving abilities.
Comprise domain-specific knowledge and problem-solving knowledge.
Key features include:
- Functioning within a specific domain.
- Leading the questioning process.
- Handling incomplete information.
- Ensuring certainty in answers provided.
- Offering alternative solutions.
- Justifying answers with explanations.
Can be built from scratch using Logic Programming languages like ProLog or through Expert System Shells.

Expert System Shells

Toolkits designed for developing expert systems containing pre-built components and an empty knowledge base.
Facilitate knowledge-based expert systems with representation schemes and inference engines.
Models knowledge in different formats:
- Rules programmed in languages like Prolog, Java, or Python.
- Decision trees.
- Objects (frames) summarizing knowledge about specific concepts.
Ideal for rapid development, making them commercially viable for expert systems.

Expert System Shell Structure

Composed of:
- A built-in user interface for both end-users and knowledge engineers.
- A built-in inference engine accessing the knowledge base.
- A structured skeleton of an empty knowledge base with representation tools.
Some shells offer additional features like:
- Database connectivity through interpreters.
- Web integration capabilities.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) functionalities.
Knowledge bases can connect to external databases (e.g., MySQL) but require an interpreter for access.
Inference engines operate via backward or forward chaining.
Explanation System provides users with reasoning behind outputs, based on case specifications.
Development involves collaboration among experts, knowledge engineers, and software engineers.

Popular Expert System Shells

Various expert system shells available for developers, each with unique advantages and disadvantages:
- ES-Builder (Expert System Builder)
- CLIPS (C-Language Integrated Production System)
- JESS (Java Expert System Shell)
- PyKE (Python Knowledge Engine)

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Description

This quiz covers the concept of expert systems and the use of expert system shells to streamline their development. It explores the components of an expert system and how they mimic human problem-solving. Test your understanding of these intelligent programs and their applications.