Developing Knowledge-Based Systems with MIKE

The paper describes the MIKE (Model-based and Incremental Knowledge Engineering) approach for developing knowledge-based systems. MIKE integrates semiformal and formal specification techniques together with prototyping into a coherent framework. All activities in the building process of a knowledge-based system are embedded in a cyclic process model. For the semiformal representation we use a hypermedia-based formalism which serves as a communication basis between expert and knowledge engineer during knowledge acquisition. The semiformal knowledge representation is also the basis for formalization, resulting in a formal and executable model specified in the Knowledge Acquisition and Representation Language (KARL). Since KARL is executable, the model of expertise can be developed and validated by prototyping. A smooth transition from a semiformal to a formal specification and further on to design is achieved because all the description techniques rely on the same conceptual model to des..