Artificial intelligence for the interpretation of combined spectral data : Design and development of a spectrum interpreter

The design of a knowledge-based system for the interpretation of combined spectral data for structure elucidation (EXSPEC) is described. Some basic design features are discussed and the functioning of the knowledge base, inference mechanism and user-interface is outlined. Attention is focussed on the development of a spectrum interpreter for infrared and mass spectral data. Interpretation of spectra for 120 liquid alcohols used for rule generation was successful. The system can be run on a Macintosh II or, more slowly, on a Macintosh Plus.