SALT: A knowledge acquisition language for propose-and-revise systems

摘要

SALT is a knowledge acquisition tool for generating expert systems that can use a propose-and-revise problem-solving strategy. The SALT-assumed method incrementally constructs an initial design by proposing values for design parameters, identifying constraints on design parameters as the design develops and revising decisions in response to detection of constraint violations in the proposal. This problem-solving strategy provides the basis for SALT's knowledge representation. SALT uses its knowledge of the intended problem-solving strategy in identifying relevant domain knowledge, in detecting weaknesses in the knowledge base in order to guide its interrogation of the domain expert, in generating an expert system that can perform the task and explain its line of reasoning, and in analyzing test case coverage. The strong commitment to problem-solving strategy which gives SALT its power also defines its scope.