MAPCON: an expert system for configuration of MAP networks

The MAPCON (MAP configuration) system is a knowledge-based tool used to configure MAP (manufacturing automation protocol) version 2.1 networks. Configuration management deals with determining the characteristics of the network and setting the parameters of the devices attached to the network in such a way as to make the network operational. MAPCON performs static configuration and can be used for reconfiguration purposes in an offline mode. MAPCON does not interface to the network and hence does not interact with the operational network. The parameters that are considered are the ones required for MAP 2.1 networks. The rules for identifying values of these parameters are developed and implemented. The MAPCON expert system was built entirely in Knowledge Craft, a language and development environment for building expert systems on the TI Explorer Lisp machine. Knowledge for the MAPCON expert system was obtained through interviews with MAP experts. This knowledge was then organized and implemented in Knowledge Craft. In addition, an elegant user interface was developed for the system