Explanation generation in expert systems

The explanation generation capabilities of expert systems (ESs) are examined. Some general background information on explanation generation ESs and a discussion of an explanation facility (EF) for a frame-based expert system shell (EFFESS) are presented. EFFESS´s scope, underlying knowledge representation structure (KRS), design, and functionality are discussed. The ES shell being used in EFFESS was designed using the object-oriented programming (OOP) design methodology, partly because Ada supports this methodology and partly because OOP is closely related to the frame-based KRS. Using the OOP design methodology provided several contributions to the development process. Probably the most influential is the fact that in analyzing the ES shell and the desire to add an EF to it (from an OOP point of view), enough of a feasible solution was identified to make the decision to attempt the effort. Closely coupled with the contributions OOP provided to the design of EFFESS were the contributions Ada provided in support of these OOP decisions