An ergonomics design knowledge based expert system

The research scope and objectives are to investigate the use of 'geometric reasoning' using the knowledge based techniques established for expert systems. An Expert System is integrated within the SAMMIE (System for Aiding Man-Machine Interaction Evaluation) computer man modelling system and used for vehicle interior design. Vehicle design objectives are related to a rule base determined from national and international standards and legislation. Malaysia is now progressing towards becoming an Industrialised Country by the year 2020. In mid 1985 the Malaysian Motor Industry produced the Proton Saga which has since been exported to other countries. Although the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) is playing an important role in design activities and provision of standardisation information, some standards and legislation for vehicle interior design are not easily available. There is an important and urgent need for standards and legislation to facilitate vehicle design within Malaysia and Internationally. A literature survey on the relevance of ergonomics design to standards and legislation for vehicle interior design is presented. Knowledge and expertise required for the knowledge base were elicited from various resources; extracted from journals, research publications and standards reports from various international organisations. The SAMMIE system was used to develop a prototype design model for the vehicle interior and the KES expert systems hell was selected to develop the Ergonomics Design Knowledge Based Expert System (EDKBES). EDKBES has a modular structure for ease of software readability, editing and testing, and to readily facilitate further development. The knowledge base is divided into several sections related to the hierarchical structure of vehicle interior design.