- An expert system called IntelliFAQ RoboCoach will be developed, and be made accessible via World-Wide Web (WWW) on the Internet. The system employs an intelligent system to find personalised coaching solutions after a dialog with the user, rather than utilising "search engines".
- The system finds relevant coaching information from the knowledge rule base, and presents a brief description of the prescribed solution to the question. The user then enters a VirtualPIN (SM), if he/she wishes, to obtain an on-line full-text solution immediately at nominal cost via First Virtual™ Internet Payment System.
- A system integrating an inference engine and a knowledge rule base with WWW and transaction-based electronic commerce will be designed and implemented. Specifically, the user interface will be a Java applet on the client web browser situated on a given platform. The HTTP web server will send the appropriate knowledge rule base to the Java applet.
- The main focus of the development will be the integration of the software, some of which are commercially available, while others must be coded. The existing accumulated coaching knowledge in free-format will be captured and coded in the rule base in a structured manner. Standard knowledge representation methods will be used.
- Expert systems have gradually but steadily found a way into various fields such as process control and help desk applications. However, the concept of providing direct access to a knowledge rule base via WWW on the Internet so that the user can have a dialog with the system, is novel.
- The use of Java applet as a platform-independent inference engine to be run on the web client site is quite innovative. It cuts down the server load significantly compared with running an inference engine on the web server site, making more efficient use of the network resources.
- Technical risk is high, mainly because of the use of new and unproven Java technology, especially when applied to inference engines and knowledge rule bases. The Java inference engine has not previously been put to commercial use.
- Financial or market risk is also high, given the reluctance of consumers to carry out electronic commerce on the Internet for reasons of security and privacy.
- Thus, the project could not proceed without CANARIE funding.
- The IntelliFAQ RoboCoach project focuses on Education and Life-long Learning. Specifically, it explores new models of tele-learning and tele-training through innovative Internet-based interactive knowledge delivery methods. Given the importance of motor skill learning and teaching in everyday life, both with children and adults, the provision of individually crafted solutions via WWW on the Internet from the expert coaching knowledge rule base, is both exciting and important.
