Applying Reliability Engineering to Expert Systems

Often a rule-based system is tested by checking its performance on a number of test cases with known solutions, modii~’ing the system until it gives the correct results ibr all or a sufficiently high proportion of the test cases. However, the performance on the test cases may not accurately predict performance of the system in actual use. In this paper we discuss why this testing method does not give all accurate reliability prediction. We then propose a method for reliability prediction based on coverage data, attained during testing, and aa operational profile of the expert system. This extension of software reliability engineering methods into the expert systems realm can lead to better systems as well as a more accurate prediction of system behavior in actual use.