Project Title:

Configurable, Icon-Based Expert System for On-Line Documentation

03.10-0655
911111
Configurable, Icon-Based Expert System for On-Line Documentation
American Research Corporation of Virginia
P.O. Box 3406
Radford
VA
24143-3406
John A.
Neal, III
703-731-0655
ARC
NAS2-13447
040

03.10-0655
911111

Abstract:

Configurable, Icon-Based Expert System for On-Line Documentation
NASA has identified a need for a user-configurable presentation of system functional
overviews and detailed system documentation. To address this need, this project proposes
the innovative application of computer-based expert systems and high-resolution graphics
in a diagrammatic (iconic) environment for the presentation of user-configurable
on-line documentation of aircraft and ground test systems. The project's technical
objectives include evaluation of documentation presentation methodologies, design
of an interactive iconic environment, development of an expert system architecture,
integration of high-resolution computer graphics, and testing and verification of
the expert system. This effort will demonstrate a proof-of-concept system for on-line
graphical presentation of overview and detailed aircraft and test systems. The results
anticipate the development of an expert system architecture and graphical user interface
that is flexible enough to be used in a variety of complex system documentation applications.
Expected NASA application will initially occur in the design, modification, and testing
of aircraft systems; benefits will be realized from an increase in design accuracy,
system reliability, and safety, and a decrease in man-hours spent on documentation
searches.
This intelligent interface will be capable of application to a variety of complex
system documentation needs. It can be used to provide more efficient and more accurate
access to large volume design, performance, and test documentation databases, such
as those found in the aerospace and shipbuilding industries.
expert system, on-line documentation, iconic interface, computer graphics