1. Information knowledge based systems (IKBS) and expert systems

2. IKBS/expert systems A computer that thinks and behaves like a human expert in a certain field These are systems that can be used to mimic a human expert They use artificial intelligence to make decisions based on answers to questions

3. Information knowledge based systems (IKBS) and expert systems Components Knowledge base – set of knowledge about a about particular field/subject Inference engine – a set of rules on which the decisions made by the system are based - these rules are applied to the knowledge base User interface – the way the expert system/IKBS communicates with the user - it presents the user with questions and allows them to type in the answers

4. Information knowledge based systems (IKBS) and expert systems Applications of expert systems/IKBS Doctors – for medical diagnosis Architects – to help with the design of buildings Geologists – to help them find the best place to look for minerals or oil Accountants – for giving tax advice to individuals/companies

5. Information knowledge based systems (IKBS) and expert systems Medical diagnosis Enables a doctor to make an accurate diagnosis Gives a doctor the the knowledge and decision- making ability of a consultant in the field Enables a patient to be put on the correct treatment without delay

6. Information knowledge based systems (IKBS) and expert systems Designing buildings Gives builders/architects expert information on the best way to construct buildings For example, builders can specify a certain number of rooms and the system will put them together in the best way

7. Information knowledge based systems (IKBS) and expert systems Prospecting for minerals/oil Can take geological information from maps to create the knowledge base Use knowledge base and apply the rules in the inference engine to it The user can enter locations using the user interface The expert system/IKBS will suggest the most likely places where minerals/oil could be found

8. Information knowledge based systems (IKBS) and expert systems Giving tax advice to companies/individuals Tax is complex Companies and individuals want to legally minimize the tax they pay Expert systems ask a series of question to arrive at an expert decision

9. Information knowledge based systems (IKBS) and expert systems Advantages and disadvantages of expert systems/IKBS Advantages Fewer mistakes – they do not forget things Less time to train – human experts take a long time to train More expertise than a single expert – systems based on expertise of many experts Always asks the questions that a human expert may forget to ask Disadvantages Systems lack common sense – they cannot spot a situation that is ridiculous Systems lack senses – for example, a patient may need to be observed The system relies on the rules being correct – the person creating the expert system may have made mistakes