Intelligent Systems for Engineering: A Knowledge-based ApproachWhen men of knowledge impart this knowledge, I do not mean they will convince your reason. I mean they will awaken in you the faith that it is so. - Sri Krishna, Bhagavadgita BACKGROUND The use of computers has led to significant productivity increases in the en gineering industry. Most ofthe computer-aided engineering applications were . restricted to algorithmic computations, such as finite element programs and circuit analysis programs. However, a number ofproblems encountered in en gineering are not amenable to purely algorithmic solutions. These problems are often ill-structured; the term ill-structured problems is used here to de note problems that do not have a clearly defined algorithmic solution. An experienced engineer deals with these ill-structured problems using his/her judgment and experience. The knowledge-based systems (KBS) technology, which emerged out of research in artificial intelligence (AI), offers a method ologyto solve these ill-structuredengineering problems. The emergenceofthe KBS technology can be viewed as the knowledge revolution: other important events that led to increased productivity are the industrial revolution (17th century); the invention of the transistor and associated developments (first half of the 20th century); and the world-wide web (towards the end of the 20th century). Kurzweil, in a lecture at M. LT on December 3, 1987, linked the progress of automation to two industrial revolutions: the first industrial PREFACE xxxii revolution leveraged our physical capabilities, whereas the second industrial revolution - the knowledge revolution - is expected leverage oUr mental ca pabilities. |
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Intelligent Systems for Engineering: A Knowledge-based Approach Ram D. Sriram No preview available - 2012 |
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abstraction action ACTIVE algorithm application approach appropriate Artificial Intelligence associated attributes behavior blackboard called candidate case-based causal cause changes Chapter components Computer consider consists constraints contains defined described determine developed device diagnosis discussed domain elements engineering evaluation example executable exists Expert explanation frame function given goal ground hierarchy implemented INCLUDE inference influence initial input involves KBES knowledge knowledge-base languages logic match material mechanism memory methods modified node Note object operators panel partition path perform placed possible precedent problem solving Procedure production programming Publishers qualitative reasoning relation representation represented Request retrieved rules satisfied search methods selected shown in Figure similar slot solution space specific stage starting step strategy structure tasks techniques tree true variables various