EP0405876A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for computer-aided decision making
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1990-06-25
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2010-06-25
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method for assisting persons in making decisions, using a computer programmed with artificial intelligence techniques. Real world objects and events pertaining to a particular domain are represented in a knowledge base (50). Best choices for solving problems are made according to the application of rules, which may be applied absolutely, comparatively, by weight, or ordered, according to methods selected by the user. the invention also permits the user to selected by the user. The invention also permits the user to select from among various decision making strategies (66) and permits the user to observe the effects (62) of choices in hypothetical scenarios.
Inventors
- 👤 Rhonda L. Alexander
- 👤 Michael E. Irrgang
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 18:53
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06N; G06N5/00; G06N5/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
a computer system apparatus for assisting a user in decision making in connection with a particular domain, comprising: a transaction interface for receiving information about the domain, a memory having a knowledge base wherein information about said domain is represented, a decision processor system programmed for selecting a best choice from alternative candidates, using rules that may vary in the manner in which they are applied; a user interface whereby said user may interact with said decision processor system; and a bus system for communicating information between said transaction interface, said memory, said decision processor system, and said user interface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
100 words
a computer system apparatus for assisting a user in decision making in connection with a particular domain, comprising: a transaction interface for receiving information about the domain, a memory having a knowledge base wherein information about said domain is represented, a decision processor system programmed for selecting a best choice from alternative candidates, using rules that may vary in the manner in which they are applied; a user interface whereby said user may interact with said decision processor system; and a bus system for communicating information between said transaction interface, said memory, said decision processor system, and said user interface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said knowledge base includes a behavior code for representing behavior of objects in said knowledge base.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said rules include soft elimination rules.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said rules may be applied in a hierarchical manner.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said rules may be applied such that they are weighted as they are applied.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of Claim 5, wherein said weighting may be adjusted automatically for purposes of improving said knowledge base.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said decision processor is further programmed to permit said user to select among a multiplicity of methods for making said choice.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said best choice selection is in response to effects generated by constraint propagation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said decision making is performed in the context of a scenario selected by said user.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
72 words
In a computer system programmed with artificial intelligence techniques, a method for making a best choice among alternative choices in a particular domain, comprising the steps of: generating a candidate from a pool of said alternatives, using predefined data or user input; evaluating said candidate in response to rules, wherein said computer provides more than one method of applying said rules; and repeating said evaluation step until a best candidate is selected.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
72 words
In a computer system programmed with artificial intelligence techniques, a method for making a best choice among alternative choices in a particular domain, comprising the steps of: generating a candidate from a pool of said alternatives, using predefined data or user input; evaluating said candidate in response to rules, wherein said computer provides more than one method of applying said rules; and repeating said evaluation step until a best candidate is selected.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of Claim 10, wherein said candidate generating step further comprises updating the characteristics of said candidates in accordance with predetermined data or user input.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of Claim 10, and further comprising the step of selecting, in accordance with predefined data or user input, a method of performing said evaluating step.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of Claim 10, wherein said evaluating step comprises evaluating said candidates using a hierarchial method.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of Claim 10, wherein said evaluating step comprises evaluating said candidates using a rule weighting method.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of Claim 14, wherein said rule weighting method includes a step for short circuiting said evaluation step by determining that a current best candidate cannot be surpassed.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of Claim 14, wherein said rule weighting method permits a best candidate selection to be learned by adjusting said rules.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of Claim 10, wherein said candidate evaluating step further comprises using soft elimination rules.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of Claim 10, and further comprising the step of using said best choice in a final action.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The shod of Claim 10, and further comprising the step of selecting, in accordance with predetermined data or user input, a strategy for making choices.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of Claim 10, and further Comprising the step of selecting a scenario representing a problem to be solved and wherein said step evaluating said candidates is performed in the context of solving said scenario.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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