VLSI hardware implemented rule-based expert system apparatus and method

摘要

The hardware-implemented rule-based expert system of this invention is suitable for performing high speed inferencing in artificial intelligence (AI) applications, and is characterized by being domain independent so that it can be applied to a variety of different application domains. The expert system includes a working memory in which, at the beginning of an inferencing operation, is stored known information or facts pertaining to the application domain. Additionally, a rule memory is provided for storing a rule set for the application domain. The rule set is comprised of a series of instructions, each defining a condition or an action. Instructions are successively loaded from the rule memory into via a first data bus. The logic unit successively executes the instructions in working memory with reference to the stored facts in working memory to thereby deduce new facts. The logic unit is coupled to working memory via a second data bus. During the inferencing operation, as new facts are deduced, they are stored in working memory and may be used for the execution of subsequent instructions. Upon the completion of the inferencing operation, an input/output interface transfers the facts stored in working memory to an output device.