Abstract
Traditionally, rule-based forward-chaining systems are considered to be standalone, working on a volatile memory. This paper focuses on the integration of forward-chaining rules with command-driven programming paradigms in the context of permanent, integrated knowledge bases. A system architecture is proposed that integrates the data management functions of large computerized knowledge bases into a module called a knowledge base management system (KBMS). Experiences we had in integrating rules with operations into a prototype KBMS called DALI are surveyed. For this integration, a new form of production rule, called the activation pattern controlled rule, is introduced, which augments traditional forward-chaining rules by a second, additional left-hand side, which allows making rules sensitive to calls of particular operations. Activation pattern controlled rules play an important role in DALI's system architecture, because they facilitate the storage of knowledge that has been specified relying on mixed programming, a combination of data-driven, command-driven, and preventive programming. The general problems of implementing permanent knowledge bases that contain rules and operations are discussed, and an algorithm for implementating activation pattern controlled rules, called IPTREAT, a generalization of the TREAT algorithm, is provided. Furthermore, the paper intends to clarify the differences between traditional, volatile rule-based systems and rule-based systems that are geared toward knowledge integration by supporting a permanent knowledge base.
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This paper is an extended and significantly revised version of a paper entitled “Integrating Rules into a Knowledge Base Management System,” which was presented at the First International Conference on Systems Integration, April 1990 [1].
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Eick, C.F., Liu, JL. & Werstein, P. Integrating forward-chaining rules with operations and permanent knowledge bases. Journal of Systems Integration 2, 263–290 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02265078
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02265078