Software development tool for object-oriented fuzzy knowledge systems

Applying fuzzy reasoning concept in an expert system can improve its abilities on approximate reasoning. Embedding object-oriented paradigm into the organization of expert system can additional provide richer knowledge representation and reasoning power. In this paper, a novel Fuzzy Linguistic Object (FLO) model is developed, by which the traditional rule base is replaced by corpus of fuzzy linguistic objects, and the problem solving process is realized by interactions and inheritances among those objects. Based on the proposed model, a three-layered structure including knowledge acquisition layer, object design layer and program design layer is adopted to implement a development tool for fuzzy knowledge systems. In this three-layered structure, user can proceed his design work at any layer, and design information is automatically transformed among layers. Besides, an object simulator is developed to enhance the ability of rapid prototyping. Two case studies have been performed to confirm the functions of the proposed developing tool.