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Method and apparatus for interpreting data and accessing on-line documentation in a computer system

  • US 5,598,511 A
  • Filed: 12/28/1992
  • Issued: 01/28/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/28/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for assisting a user in solving computer system and application problems in a computer system which is capable of executing a plurality of independent application programs, the apparatus for assisting a user comprising:

  • a working memory for storing a list of facts about the problem;

    a modular knowledge base coupled to said working memory, said modular knowledge base having rules corresponding to meta knowledge, general knowledge, and a current knowledge module, wherein said meta knowledge and said general knowledge being application-independent, said current knowledge module being specific to a current application program selected for execution by the computer system, and said current knowledge module being replaceable by additional knowledge modules from additional ones of said application programs, wherein each of said additional knowledge modules corresponds to one of said additional application programs, wherein said additional application programs are distinct from said apparatus for assisting a user; and

    an inference engine coupled to said working memory and said modular knowledge base, said inference engine for interpreting the facts in said working memory by applying the facts to said rules corresponding to meta knowledge, general knowledge, or said current knowledge module in said modular knowledge base to produce a valid conclusion about solving the problem, wherein when said inference engine is unable to produce a valid conclusion using said current knowledge module said inference engine selects one of said additional knowledge modules corresponding to one of said additional application programs and replaces said current knowledge module with said selected additional knowledge module such that said selected additional knowledge module becomes said current knowledge module.

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