Apparatus and methods for providing design advice

摘要

A knowledge-based artificial intelligence system which provides design advice. The artificial intelligence system includes a knowledge base of design information. Users of the system indicate an area about which they require design advice. The system provides the relevant advice. Included in the advice is an indication of the "owner" of the advice. The advice and the relationship between the design made by the user are part of a trace of the users' session with the system. The trace becomes part of a design document for the design. When the design is reviewed, the trace is reviewed as well. The system includes an interface for updating the knowledge base, and if the design review indicates a need to correct the knowledge base, the corrections are made using the interface for updating. A preferred embodiment of the system is used to provide advice to designers of a large software system concerning the use of an error reporting and handling system in the system being designed.