Integration of rules into a knowledge base management system

The centralization and integration of the data management functions of large computerized knowledge bases into a module called the knowledge base management system (KBMS), a first step on the way to large, integrated knowledge bases, are discussed. One prerequisite for the success of this approach is the feasibility of integrating large sets of rules that share the same knowledge base. Rule integration has to cope with objects that have inferential/operational capabilities. The conceptual and implementation problems of such an integration are discussed. Experiences in integrating rules into a prototype KBMS called DALI are surveyed. For this integration, a new form of production rule called the activation pattern controlled rule which plays a key role in the system considered, is introduced. Such rules are triggered by a call to the KBMS; that is, by the intention to apply a certain operation but not necessarily by the result of applying the operation. It is demonstrated that exception handling mechanisms can easily be represented when using this form of rule