Merging expert systems with multimedia technology

Traditional methods of interaction with ES can be a burden to users who are forced to translate conceptualizations of problem attributes and characteristics into text form and then convert back to conceptualizations in interpreting and recommending solutions. This burden can be relieved by merging ES with multimedia technology. In addition to text, the user would be able to selectively access information with graphics, full-motion video, or animation; and hear with stereo sound, voice recording, or music. Such a combination provides a powerful interactive interface enabling the various facets of expertise to be more fully communicated to the user. This article describes multimedia expert systems and considerations for implementing them.