The Knowledge Level In Expert Systems: Conversations and Commentary deals with artificial intelligence, cognitive science, qualitative models, problem solving architectures, construction of knowledge bases, machine learning integration, knowledge sharing or reusability, and mapping problem-solving methods. The book tackles two opposing dogmas: first, that control is generic so is in the inference engine; and two, deep and surface knowledge are different so deep knowledge belongs in a performance system. The text also explains how to use SPARK, a selection method, in approaching the task features that can be used to select or construct the problem-solving method suitable for the task. An alternative method to SPARK starts with an analysis of the domain model and a classification using primitive inference steps. The book also adds that expert problem solving is a form of qualitative modeling that connects other expert systems and engineering. The text then describes very large knowledge bases, particularly, the volume of which knowledge bases can be integrated with expert systems, coherence maintenance, and use/neutral representation of knowledge. Task analysis and method selection focuses on SPARK; how theories about the relation between task features and expert system solutions can be empirically validated. The book also enumerates the benefits and limitations of a generic task approach, and how various modules with their specific internal architectures can be integrated. Programmers, computer engineers, computer technicians, and computer instructors dealing with many aspects of computers such as programming, networking, engineering or design will find the book highly useful.

Offering an introduction to the field of expert/knowledge based systems, this text covers current and emerging trends as well as future research areas. It considers both the system shell and programming environment approaches to expert system development.;College or university bookshops may order five or more copies at a special student price. Price is available on request.

Building an expert system involves eliciting, analyzing, and interpreting the knowledge that a human expert uses when solving problems. Expe rience has shown that this process of "knowledge acquisition" is both difficult and time consuming and is often a major bottleneck in the production of expert systems. Unfortunately, an adequate theoretical basis for knowledge acquisition has not yet been established. This re quires a classification of knowledge domains and problem-solving tasks and an improved understanding of the relationship between knowledge structures in human and machine. In the meantime, expert system builders need access to information about the techniques currently being employed and their effectiveness in different applications. The aim of this book, therefore, is to draw on the experience of AI scientists, cognitive psychologists, and knowledge engineers in discussing particular acquisition techniques and providing practical advice on their application. Each chapter provides a detailed description of a particular technique or methodology applied within a selected task domain. The relative strengths and weaknesses of the tech nique are summarized at the end of each chapter with some suggested guidelines for its use. We hope that this book will not only serve as a practical handbook for expert system builders, but also be of interest to AI and cognitive scientists who are seeking to develop a theory of knowledge acquisition for expert systems.

Focusing on fundamental scientific and engineering issues, this book communicates the principles of building and using knowledge systems from the conceptual standpoint as well as the practical. Previous treatments of knowledge systems have focused on applications within a particular field, or on symbol-level representations, such as the use of frame and rule representations. Introduction to Knowledge Systems presents fundamentals of symbol-level representations including representations for time, space, uncertainty, and vagueness. It also compares the knowledge-level organizations for three common knowledge-intensive tasks: classification, configuration, and diagnosis. The art of building knowledge systems incorporates computer science theory, programming practice, and psychology. The scope of this book is appropriately broad, ranging from the design of hierarchical search algorithms to techniques for acquiring the task-specific knowledge needed for successful applications. Each chapter proceeds from concepts to applications, and closes with a brief tour of current research topics and open issues. Readers will come away with a solid foundation that will enable them to create real-world knowledge systems using whatever tools and programming languages are most current and appropriate.