Patent US 5,182,793

An apparatus and method for assisting persons in making decisions, using a computer programmed with artificial intelligence techniques. Real world objects and events pertaining to a particular domain are represented in a knowledge base. Best choices for solving problems are made according to the application of rules, which may be applied absolutely, comparatively, by weight, or ordered, according to methods selected by the user. The invention also permits the user to select from among various decision making strategies and permits the user to observe the effects of choices in hypothetical scenarios.