Using hierarchically structured problem-solving knowledge in a rule-based process planning system

Abstract

A rule-based expert system, XCUT, currently is being developed which will generate process plans for the production of machined parts, given a feature-based part description. Due to the vast and dynamic nature of process planning knowledge, a technique has been used in the development of XCUT that segments problem solving knowledge into multiple rule bases. These rule bases are structured in a hierarchical manner that is reflective of the problem decomposition procedure used to generate a plan. An inference engine, HERB (Hierarchical Expert Rule Bases), has been developed which supports the manipulation of multiple rule bases during the planning process. This paper illustrates the hierarchical nature of problem-solving knowledge in the XCUT system and describes the use of HERB for programming with hierarchically structured rule bases. 6 refs., 21 figs.