Expert System Agony Aunt

Dear Emily

I run what was until recently a very successful helpline for computer-based problems. Recently, though, we haven’t been getting enough phone traffic to keep the lights on – I’m losing money hand over fist. I’ve heard a lot about “expert systems” that supposedly automatically answer any queries put to them. Can you explain to me what would be involved in setting one up?

Harry, Flitworth

Response:

Hello Harry,

 That is quite an issue you are having! Indeed an expert system is what you need! There are 4 main components of an expert computer system and these are;

• The human computer interface (HCI) - This allows human access 
• The knowledge base- This is a database of facts, it contains rules and facts about the task domain. It contains expert knowledge.
• The rule base-links knowledge together through facts.
• The inference engine - it is software that makes reductions using the knowledge base, attempts to work out the answer to the user’s query by using the rule base

To create this system you will need to have a database that contains different information for specific issues that you will encounter, there must also be a solution for each issue. This will then link with the rule base which will link each problem together.

Emily

Dear  Emily

I’ve got an exam tomorrow on expert systems. I know all about how they work, but I just *know* they’ll ask for real-life examples of where people have put these systems into use, and how well they perform. Can you give me a list of, say, five to ten industries or sectors or government branches that might have found expert systems useful enough to set one up?

Brunhilde, Derby

Response:

Hello Brunhilde,

Here are some examples for expert systems in the real world:

·         NHS online health checker

·         Government tax credit

·         Student finance from the Government

·         Auto pilot

Emily

Dear Emily

The machine apocalypse is coming! Computers are going to take over the world, and we’re helping them! I’m putting together a pamphlet to distribute to anyone passing the Houses of Parliament (hand-written, naturally) outlining the dangers of expert systems, their drawbacks and why we should stick with human operators. Could you…um…help me out here with a few examples?

Lizzy, Brunswick

Response:

Hello Lizzy,

Calm down! We have a solution for you, for example Medical diagnosis this is because the patient could lie to the system and the computer cannot check the patient of these false ideas. Expert computer systems are expensive to maintain and finally they also have limited knowledge outside their specific purpose.

Emily