06-09-2017, 03:15 PM
Case-based reasoning (CBR) widely interpreted. It is the process of solving new problems based on solutions of similar prior problems. An auto mechanic fixing an engine recalling another car that exhibited similar symptoms is using case-based arguments. An attorney who advocates a particular outcome in a lawsuit based on legal precedents or a judge who creates jurisprudence is using case-based reasoning. So too, an engineer copying elements of nature (practicing the biomimetic), is treating nature as a database of solutions to problems. Case-based reasoning is a prominent type of elaboration of an analog solution.
It has been argued that case-based reasoning is not only a powerful method for computer reasoning, but also a ubiquitous behavior in the daily resolution of human problems; or, more radically, that all reasoning is based on past cases personally experienced. This view is related to prototype theory, which is more deeply explored in cognitive science.
Process
Case-based reasoning has been formalized for computer reasoning as a four-step process:
1. Recover: Given a target problem, recover from relevant memory cases to resolve it. A case is a problem, its solution, and typically annotations about how the solution was derived. For example, suppose Fred wants to make blueberry pancakes. Being a novice cook, the most relevant experience you can remember is one in which you made simple pancakes with success. The procedure that followed to make the simple pancakes, along with the justifications for the decisions taken along the way, is Fred's recovered case.
2. Reuse: Assign the solution of the previous case to the target problem. This may involve adapting the solution as necessary to suit the new situation. In the pancake example, Fred must adapt his recovered solution to include the addition of blueberries.
3. Review: After mapping the previous solution to the target situation, test the new solution in the real world (or a simulation) and, if necessary, revise. Suppose Fred adapted his pancake solution by adding cranberries to the batter. After mixing, he discovers that the batter has turned blue - an unwanted effect. This suggests the following review: delay the addition of blueberries until after the batter has been poured into the pan.
4. Retention: Once the solution has successfully adapted to the target problem, save the resulting experiment as a new case in memory. Fred, therefore, records his new procedure for making blueberry pancakes, thus enriching his set of stored experiences, and better preparing him for future demands of making pancakes.
It has been argued that case-based reasoning is not only a powerful method for computer reasoning, but also a ubiquitous behavior in the daily resolution of human problems; or, more radically, that all reasoning is based on past cases personally experienced. This view is related to prototype theory, which is more deeply explored in cognitive science.
Process
Case-based reasoning has been formalized for computer reasoning as a four-step process:
1. Recover: Given a target problem, recover from relevant memory cases to resolve it. A case is a problem, its solution, and typically annotations about how the solution was derived. For example, suppose Fred wants to make blueberry pancakes. Being a novice cook, the most relevant experience you can remember is one in which you made simple pancakes with success. The procedure that followed to make the simple pancakes, along with the justifications for the decisions taken along the way, is Fred's recovered case.
2. Reuse: Assign the solution of the previous case to the target problem. This may involve adapting the solution as necessary to suit the new situation. In the pancake example, Fred must adapt his recovered solution to include the addition of blueberries.
3. Review: After mapping the previous solution to the target situation, test the new solution in the real world (or a simulation) and, if necessary, revise. Suppose Fred adapted his pancake solution by adding cranberries to the batter. After mixing, he discovers that the batter has turned blue - an unwanted effect. This suggests the following review: delay the addition of blueberries until after the batter has been poured into the pan.
4. Retention: Once the solution has successfully adapted to the target problem, save the resulting experiment as a new case in memory. Fred, therefore, records his new procedure for making blueberry pancakes, thus enriching his set of stored experiences, and better preparing him for future demands of making pancakes.