Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
The User Interface
Specialized user interface software is employed for designing, creating, updating, and using
expert systems. The main purpose of the user interface is to make an expert system easier for
users and decision makers to develop and use. At one time, skilled computer personnel created
and operated most expert systems; today, the user interface permits decision makers to
develop and use their own expert systems. Because expert systems place more emphasis on
directing user activities than do other types of systems, text-oriented user interfaces (using
menus, forms, and scripts) might be more common in expert systems than the graphical
interfaces often used with DSSs. A typical user interface between a user and the expert system
for the credit application shown in Figure 11.10 follows.
EXPERT SYSTEM: Are there any previous credit problems?
USER: No.
EXPERT SYSTEM: Is the applicant's net income greater than four times the monthly loan
payment?
USER: Yes.
EXPERT SYSTEM: Is the down payment greater than 15% of the property value?
USER: Yes.
EXPERT SYSTEM: Are the net assets of the borrower greater than $25,000?
USER: Yes.
EXPERT SYSTEM: Has the borrower worked more than three years at the same company?
USER: Yes.
EXPERT SYSTEM:
Accept the loan application.
Participants in Developing and Using Expert Systems
Typically, several people are involved in developing and using an expert system (see
Figure 11.12).
Figure 11.12
Expert
system
Participants in Expert Systems
Development and Use
Domain expert
Knowledge engineer
Knowledge user
The Domain Expert
Because of the time and effort involved in the task, an expert system is developed to address
only a specific area of knowledge. This area of knowledge is called the
domain
. The
domain
expert
is the person or group with the expertise or knowledge the expert system is trying to
capture. In most cases, the domain expert is a group of human experts. The domain expert
(individual or group) usually can do the following:
•
domain
The area of knowledge addressed by
the expert system.
domain expert
The person or group who has the
expertise or knowledge the expert
system is trying to capture.
Recognize the real problem
•
Develop a general framework for problem solving
