Opportunistic reasoning
Encyclopedia
Opportunistic reasoning is a method of selecting a suitable logical inference strategy within artificial intelligence
applications.
Specific reasoning methods
may be used to draw conclusions from a set of given facts in a knowledge base
, e.g. forward chaining
versus backward chaining
. However, in opportunistic reasoning, pieces of knowledge may be applied either forward or backward, at the "most opportune time".
An opportunistic reasoning system may combine elements of both forward and backward reasoning. It is useful when the number of possible inferences is very large and the reasoning system must be responsive to new data that may become known.
Opportunistic reasoning has been used in applications such as blackboard system
s and medical applications.
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is the intelligence of machines and the branch of computer science that aims to create it. AI textbooks define the field as "the study and design of intelligent agents" where an intelligent agent is a system that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its...
applications.
Specific reasoning methods
Deductive reasoning
Deductive reasoning, also called deductive logic, is reasoning which constructs or evaluates deductive arguments. Deductive arguments are attempts to show that a conclusion necessarily follows from a set of premises or hypothesis...
may be used to draw conclusions from a set of given facts in a knowledge base
Knowledge base
A knowledge base is a special kind of database for knowledge management. A Knowledge Base provides a means for information to be collected, organised, shared, searched and utilised.-Types:...
, e.g. forward chaining
Forward chaining
Forward chaining is one of the two main methods of reasoning when using inference rules and can be described logically as repeated application of modus ponens. Forward chaining is a popular implementation strategy for expert systems, business and production rule systems...
versus backward chaining
Backward chaining
Backward chaining is an inference method that can be described as working backward from the goal...
. However, in opportunistic reasoning, pieces of knowledge may be applied either forward or backward, at the "most opportune time".
An opportunistic reasoning system may combine elements of both forward and backward reasoning. It is useful when the number of possible inferences is very large and the reasoning system must be responsive to new data that may become known.
Opportunistic reasoning has been used in applications such as blackboard system
Blackboard system
A blackboard system is an artificial intelligence application based on the blackboard architectural model, where a common knowledge base, the "blackboard", is iteratively updated by a diverse group of specialist knowledge sources, starting with a problem specification and ending with a solution...
s and medical applications.