

<head> Tipster Topic Description

<num> Number: 027

<dom> Domain: Science and Technology

<title> Topic: Expert systems and neural networks in business or
manufacturing.


<desc> Description: 

Document describes an expert system or neural network application for 
business or manufacturing in layman's terms.


<narr> Narrative: 

To be relevant, a document must describe an operational or prototype 
expert system used in business or manufacturing. The description of the 
principles behind the operation of the expert system or neural network must 
be written in layman's terms, where a layman is considered any literate 
English speaking non-computer scientist.

<con> Concept(s):

1. expert system, rule-based, knowledge base, artificial intelligence,
AI

2. neural network, connectionism


<fac> Factor(s):

<def> Definition(s):

Expert System - An artificial intelligence application that uses a
knowledge base of human expertise to aid in solving a problem.  The
expert system derives its answers by executing a set of "if-then"
rules, called a knowledge base through a software program that
interacts with the user to ask questions, get input and explain the
rationale for the answer. Examples of expert systems can be found in
medical diagnosis, equipment repair, investment analysis, financial,
estate, and insurance planning, route scheduling and production
control and training.

Neural Network - A modeling technique that is based on the observed
behavior of biological neurons and is used to mimic the performance of
a system.  It consists of elements that start out connected in a
random pattern, and, based upon operational feedback, are molded into
the pattern of connections required to generate the required results.
Neural networks are used in applications such as robotics,
diagnostics, forecasting, image processing and pattern recognition.