Expert system is an artificial intelligence program
that has expert-level knowledge about a particular domain and knows how to use
its knowledge to respond properly. Domain refers to the area within which the
task is being performed. Ideally the expert systems should substitute a human
expert. Edward Feigenbaum of Stanford University has defined expert system as
“an intelligent computer program that uses knowledge and inference procedures
to solve problems that are difficult enough to require significant human
expertise for their solutions.” It is a branch of artificial intelligence
introduced by researchers in the Stanford Heuristic Programming Project.
Neural
Networks
A type of artificial intelligence that
attempts to imitate the way a human brain works. Rather than using a digital
model, in which all computations manipulate zeros and ones, a neural network
works by creating connections between processing elements, the computer
equivalent of neurons. The organization and weights of the connections
determine the output.
Neural networks are particularly effective
for predicting events when the networks have a large database of prior examples
to draw on. Strictly speaking, a neural network implies a non-digital computer,
but neural networks can be simulated on digital computers.
The field of neural networks was pioneered
by Bernard Widrow of Stanford University in the 1950s. Neural networks are
currently used prominently in voice recognition systems, image recognition
systems, industrial robotics, medical imaging, data mining and aerospace
applications.
Genetic
Algorithms (GAs) are adaptive heuristic search algorithm based on the
evolutionary ideas of natural selection and genetics. As such they represent an
intelligent exploitation of a random search used to solve optimization
problems. Although randomised, GAs are by no means random, instead they exploit
historical information to direct the search into the region of better
performance within the search space. The basic techniques of the GAs are
designed to simulate processes in natural systems necessary for evolution,
specially those follow the principles first laid down by Charles Darwin of
"survival of the fittest.". Since in nature, competition among
individuals for scanty resources results in the fittest individuals dominating
over the weaker ones.
Intelligent Agent
Special-purposed
knowledge-based information system that accomplishes specific tasks on behalf
of its user.
“An intelligent agent is one that is capable of
flexible autonomous action in order to meet its design objectives, where
flexible means three things:
- Reactivity: agents are able to perceive their
environment, and respond in a timely fashion to changes that occur in it
in order to satisfy its design objectives;
- Pro-activeness: intelligent agents are able to exhibit
goal-directed behavior by taking the initiative in order to satisfy its
design objectives;
- Social ability: intelligent agents are capable of
interacting with other agents (and possibly humans) in order to satisfy
its design objectives”;
Virtual
Reality
While
the word "virtual" is typically overused in the computer world, it is
aptly placed in the phrase "virtual reality." According to the
American Heritage Dictionary, virtual means "existing or resulting in
essence or effect though not in actual fact, form, or name." It can also
mean "created, simulated, or carried on by means of a computer or computer
network." Therefore, virtual reality is best described as an illusion of
reality created by a computer system.
A
person may enter a world of virtual reality by putting on special glasses and
headphones attached to a computer system running the virtual reality program.
These devices immerse the user with the sights and sounds of the virtual world.
Some virtual reality systems allow the user to also wear gloves with electronic
sensors that can be used to touch or move virtual objects. As the user moves
his head or hands, the computer moves the virtual world accordingly in
real-time.
Virtual
reality has been widely used for entertainment purposes, but the technology has
found its way into the military and medical fields as well. While virtual reality
systems have advanced significantly over the past decade, for the most part
they are still more "virtual" than reality.
No comments:
Post a Comment