Expert systems

Expert systems

1. An expert system is a computer system which emulates the decision- making ability of a human expert

2. A knowledge - based system which attempts to replace a human "expert" in a particular field

   • Diagnosis problems and gives advice on what the cause of those problems are.

3. Components

   • 1. A problem - domain - specific knowledge base
     • Stores encoded knowledge
   • 2. An inference engine - set of rules for making deductions
   • 3. The user interface
     • Requests information from the user and outputs results

4. Medical diagnosis

   • Does not take place of doctor but can be used to help doctor make decisions
   • Has information on diseases, symptoms and treatments
   • Computer searches its database, uses its rules and makes suggestions about potential diseases and treatments

5. Advantages

   • Can store more information than a human
   • Computers don't forget or make mistakes
   • Data can be kept up-to-date
   • Available 24/7
   • Accurate predictions

6. Disadvantages

   • over reliance upon computers
   • Experts could lose jobs
   • Lacking in personal contact
   • Dependent on correct information being given
   • No common sense
   • Can make absurd errors