What is an Inference Engine?
An inference engine is a core component of expert systems in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) that applies logical rules to the knowledge base in order to deduce new information or make decisions. It operates by processing the data stored in the system, which can include facts and relationships derived from various sources.
The inference engine uses two main strategies: forward chaining and backward chaining. Forward chaining starts with available data and applies rules to infer conclusions until a goal is met. In contrast, backward chaining begins with a goal and works backward to determine what facts must be true to achieve that goal.
The significance of inference engines lies in their ability to simulate human reasoning, enabling expert systems to provide solutions and recommendations in specialized domains such as medical diagnosis, financial forecasting, and troubleshooting in technical fields. By leveraging a robust knowledge representation, they can help professionals and laypersons make informed decisions efficiently.
In summary, the inference engine serves as the analytical heart of expert systems, transforming static knowledge into actionable insights through logical reasoning processes, significantly contributing to the advancement of AI technologies.