Expert system development tool based on hierarchical classification generic task

The tool proposed in this article is for acquiring knowledge for the hierarchical classification generic task (HCGT). The mechanism of this tool is to acquire cases from domain experts and generate a causal model that is used to create the hierarchically organized knowledge base of the HCGT. The knowledge base is represented as SICStus Prolog Objects. The generated knowledge base can be integrated into a multifunctional ES. The tool also assists the expert system developer in building a user communication model that is the line of questioning which will be pursued with the end user. The communication model code is either represented as SICStus Prolog objects or as Java. Furthermore, a design document is generated automatically for documentation purposes. The tool is implemented in SICStus Prolog with a GUI. The tool aims at enhancing knowledge acquisition, and knowledge/software engineering for the class diagnostic expert systems.