Expert systems for codes of practice

Abstract

Issues in constructing computer programs to assist with code of practice conformance checking are investigated. Representations based on an object-oriented framework are shown to be suited to this class of application, but established techniques do not provide adequate support for the classification of objects. A new technique is synthesised that allows objects to be dynamically classified by multiple, independent classifiers. This classification mechanism is closely integrated with the object-oriented representation. A language tool that incorporates the classification mechanism, called "Class language", has been designed and implemented. The language is described, and an analysis given of its formal properties. This tool has been evaluated on a variety of significant applications.