Expert Systems: Newest Brainchild of Computer Science,
Abstract
Document discusses an emerging field of computer science called expert systems. These are computer programs that seek to combine expert knowledge about a domain (in theory, any domain) with expert methods of conceptualizing and reasoning about that domain. The decision-making power of such programs rests upon a knowledge base that puts together factual information about the domain with the heuristics (informal rules of thumb) experts use to rapidly find solutions to problems. This specialty in turn is part of artificial intelligence--the science, as one definition has it, of making machines do things that people need intelligence of a high order to do. Despite its small size and relative newness, the expert systems field is attracting widespread interest because of its demonstrated usefulness in medicine and chemistry and for its potential application to such diverse and complex problem areas as structural engineering, military strategy, air traffic control, crisis management and many others.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA111845
Entities
People
- Ann M. Shoben
Organizations
- RAND Corporation