--> ABSTRACT: Expert Systems and Knowledge Structures--A Challenge, by Peter G. Sutterlin and Glenn S. Visher; #91022 (1989)

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Expert Systems and Knowledge Structures--A Challenge

Peter G. Sutterlin, Glenn S. Visher

The associations among a collection of related data items in the data base of a data-base management system are represented by data structures in the form of trees, hierarchies, networks, or idtuples. The objective of the data base designer is to ensure that the data structure preserves the potential information contained in the data. Similarly, the heart of an expert system is its knowledge base, comprised of a series of facts (data) and a representation of the inferential process(es) by which an expert synthesizes the facts to arrive at a conclusion. The combination of facts and processes in knowledge bases are represented by knowledge structures which are rule based, example based, sematic network based, and frame based.

Two expert systems tools (or shells) have been used to develop an expert system designed to assist in the identification of depositional environment systems. One of these shells uses an inverted-tree/rules knowledge structure. The other uses a spreadsheet/examples knowledge structure. Both have limitations inherent in their design. However, to overcome the limitations will require a much more explicit understanding of the inferential processes, or knowledge structures, used by experts if these systems hope to reach their full potential in geology.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91022©1989 AAPG Annual Convention, April 23-26, 1989, San Antonio, Texas.