
PREFACE
A knowledge-based system (KBS) is a system that uses artificial intelligence (AI)
to solve problems. It incorporates a repository (database) of expert knowl-
edge with utilities designed to facilitate the knowledge retrieval in response
to specific queries, along with learning and justification, or to transfer ex-
pertise from one domain of knowledge to another. In particular, knowl-
edge-based systems focus on using knowledge-based techniques to support
human decision making, learning, and action. Such systems are capable of
cooperating with human users and are being used for problem solving, train-
ing, and assisting users and exper ...