Meta-level-architecture for distributed second generation knowledge based systems using CORBA-standard

Based on the investigation of the international state of the art of structures for first and second generation knowledge based systems, distributed artificial intelligence (AI) is considered. For the modularization of second generation knowledge based systems architecture criterions, aspects of distributions and available concepts for the communication of distributed system modules (agents) are presented. In addition a three level CORBA based architecture for distributed AI systems in a heterogeneous network is discussed. The architecture consists of a knowledge client level, a knowledge domain agent server level and a persistent knowledge storage level supported by a semantic/presentation split of logical knowledge objects. The proposed architecture completes the advantages of standardized communication protocols such as CORBA with the productivity of object oriented database management systems. First results of the implementation are presented in the system VISIS using VisualWorks/Smalltalk (ParcPlace) and Distributed Smalltalk (HP)