disease symptoms, medical history, and laboratory test results of a patient, and then suggests a diagnosis to the physician. The diagnostic program, which is designed to perform tasks in specialized areas as a human would, is an example of an expert system. (Waltz). Expert systems take computers a step beyond straightforward programming, as they are based on a technique called rule-based inference, in which previously established rule systems are used to process the data. Despite their sophistication, such systems still do not approach the complexity of true intelligent thought.Even though technologies have yet to develop systems, which achieve the complexities of true thought, technologists have already put their accomplishments in the field of practice. Another assistance AI technology provides to society are system programs that help to diagnose problems on PCs or company computer systems. The use of these programs for both hardware and software are now in widespread use. Diagnostic systems based on AI technology are being built into photocopiers, computer operating systems, and office automation tools to reduce service calls (Epstein 12). Other common examples of expert systems include spell check and grammar check in word processing programs. People do not realize how much AI has already affected their lives and that their advancement can be even more helpful. Grammar check and spell check are not perfect, but with the advancement of AI they could be. While expert systems are helping people with searches online and checking their spelling and grammar other programs are helping people with more advanced tasks. Text to speech programs are the products of advanced AI (Waltz). These programs enable their user to place text into the program and the program will read the text aloud. This helps blind people explore the Internet or read various pieces of literature. Another helpful tool is a voice recognition program. These prog...
