Focusing on fundamental scientific and engineering issues, this book communicates the principles of building and using knowledge systems from the conceptual standpoint as well as the practical. Previous treatments of knowledge systems have focused on applications within a particular field, or on symbol-level representations, such as the use of frame and rule representations. Introduction to Knowledge Systems presents fundamentals of symbol-level representations including representations for time, space, uncertainty, and vagueness. It also compares the knowledge-level organizations for three common knowledge-intensive tasks: classification, configuration, and diagnosis. The art of building knowledge systems incorporates computer science theory, programming practice, and psychology. The scope of this book is appropriately broad, ranging from the design of hierarchical search algorithms to techniques for acquiring the task-specific knowledge needed for successful applications. Each chapter proceeds from concepts to applications, and closes with a brief tour of current research topics and open issues. Readers will come away with a solid foundation that will enable them to create real-world knowledge systems using whatever tools and programming languages are most current and appropriate.

Advances in Computers

This comprehensive text acquaints the readers with the important aspects of artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent systems and guides them towards a better understanding of the subject. The text begins with a brief introduction to artificial intelligence, including application areas, its history and future, and programming. It then deals with symbolic logic, knowledge acquisition, representation and reasoning. The text also lucidly explains AI technologies such as computer vision, natural language processing, pattern recognition and speech recognition. Topics such as expert systems, neural networks, constraint programming and case-based reasoning are also discussed in the book. In the Second Edition, the contents and presentation have been improved thoroughly and in addition six new chapters providing a simulating and inspiring synthesis of new artificial intelligence and an appendix on AI tools have been introduced. The treatment throughout the book is primarily tailored to the curriculum needs of B.E./B.Tech. students in Computer Science and Engineering, B.Sc. (Hons.) and M.Sc. students in Computer Science, and MCA students. The book is also useful for computer professionals interested in exploring the field of artificial intelligence. Key Features • Exposes the readers to real-world applications of AI. • Concepts are duly supported by examples and cases. • Provides appendices on PROLOG, LISP and AI Tools. • Incorporates most recommendations of the Curriculum Committee on Computer Science/Engineering for AI and Intelligent Systems. • Exercises provided will help readers apply what they have learned.

An Introduction to Information Processing provides an informal introduction to the computer field. This book introduces computer hardware, which is the actual computing equipment. Organized into three parts encompassing 12 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the evolution of personal computing and includes detailed case studies on two of the most essential personal computers for the 1980s, namely, the IBM Personal Computer and Apple's Macintosh. This text then traces the evolution of modern computing systems from the earliest mechanical calculating devices to microchips. Other chapters consider the components and operation of typical data communications systems. This book discusses as well the various types of communications networks and communications via space satellites. The final chapter deals with software or computer programs, the sets of instructions that programmers write to inform the computer how to solve particular problems. This book is a valuable resource for computer specialists, mathematicians, and computer programmers.

First published in 1973 Professor Akensone(tm)s book traces the series of religious and political controversies which have battered the state schools of Northern Ireland. After the governmente(tm)s admirably intentioned, but muddled, attempt to create a non-sectarian school system in the early 1920s, the educational system was progressively manipulated by sectarianism. The way in which the author describes how children are schooled reveals a great deal about the attitudes and values of the parental generation and also helps to explain the actions of later generations.