Integrating knowledge-based systems into operations at the McMaster University FN Tandem Accelerator Laboratory

The development of an accelerator operators´ companion, which incorporates a knowledge-based front-end that is tuned to user operational expertise is described. The front-end also provides connections to traditional software packages such as database and spreadsheet programs. Two prototype implementations are presented. The importance of modifying expert procedures when a multitasking environment is involved, as discovered during work on the back-end (that is, during real-time expert system control development), is discussed