Oxymoron: Real-time Knowledge-Based Nurse/Nuclear Plant Operator
lugowsk...@ti-csl.csnet.uucp
Date: 22 Mar 1987 18:21-EST
From: cr...@afit-ab.arpa
Subject: Conference - AAAI-87 Workshop on Real-Time Processing
Workshop on Real-Time Processing in Knowledge-Based Systems
AI techniques are maturing to the point where application
in knowledge intensive, but time constrained situations is
desired. Examples include monitoring large dynamic systems
such as nuclear power plants... sensor interpretation and
management in hospital intensive care units...
Desired by whom? I wouldn't trust AI techniques with monitoring large dynamic
systems of the class of a medium-sized municipal toilet. I would certainly
want out of any ICU where my fragile well-being did not depend on an ICU
nurse, overworked as though he or she may be. The AI community has had up
to now the good sense of relegating its really questionable achievements to
the battlefield, where they are fondly appreciated. Let's not get too greedy
by introducing the battlefield to our rather safe nuclear plants and ICUs.
-- Marek Lugowski
Texas Instruments
lugowski%cr...@ti-csl.csnet
m...@praxis.uucp.uucp
lugowski%res...@ti-csl.CSNET writes:
> I wouldn't trust AI techniques with monitoring large dynamic
>systems of the class of a medium-sized municipal toilet. I would certainly
>want out of any ICU where my fragile well-being did not depend on an ICU
>nurse, overworked as though he or she may be. The AI community has had up
>to now the good sense of relegating its really questionable achievements to
>the battlefield, where they are fondly appreciated. Let's not get too greedy
>by introducing the battlefield to our rather safe nuclear plants and ICUs.
>
> -- Marek Lugowski
> Texas Instruments
> lugowski%cr...@ti-csl.csnet
I strongly agree. Any safety-critical system should have certain
characteristics: it should be rigorously specified (AT LEAST the safety
aspects); it should be possible to reason rigorously about the
implementation, to convince others that it matches the specification;
it should be developed using QC/QA techniques that guarantee an audit trail
so that any faults discovered after development can be traced to their
cause.
These considerations dictate the use of mathematically rigorous methods, and
a certified Quality Assurance regime. Does anyone know of an AI system
which measures up? Please reply by mail - I'll summarise.
Martyn Thomas mct%praxi...@ukc.ac.uk <or>
Praxis Systems plc ...seismo!mcvax!ukc!praxis!mct
20 Manvers Street, Tel: +44 225 335855
BATH BA1 PX England. Fax: +44 225 65205 (Groups 2&3)