An expert system for interpretation of structured mandala

Abstract

As a systematic, scientific, computerized, and interdisciplinary approach to art therapy, an expert system has been developed for the structured mandala, which is selected as an art therapy tool. This system can aid human experts in providing their client with the analysis and interpretation of the mandala. The client's personal preferences of color are obtained through a questionnaire. The system automatically analyzes and evaluates the color-related-elements in the mandalas, and deduces the client's performance-related-elements in the colorings. A knowledge base has been constructed on the meanings of the colors that appear in drawings and structured mandala, the relations between the colors that appear in a mandala and the personal characteristics in the questionnaire, and the detection of changes of elements in a series of mandalas. The knowledge is expressed in a simple IF-THEN format and accumulated in the knowledge base. The system evokes the relevant knowledge corresponding to the analysis and evaluation of the elements in the mandala, and the answers to the questionnaire. The system operation and usability are illustrated through example cases. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.