Parallel processing inference system with single inference engine

Abstract

An inference system comprising: a knowledge base defined as a set of rules described for a multiplicity of inference objects of one kind; a working memory storage unit including a region for temporarily storing an intermediate hypothesis to be modified and executed based on rules of the knowledge base for each individual inference object; a working memory selecting unit for performing reading and writing by selecting only the objective working memory from the working memory unit; a parameter storage unit containing parameters provided for respective objects, each parameter being needed when applying the rule of the knowledge base; a parameter selecting unit for reading only the objective parameter for the parameter storage unit; and an inference engine for applying the rule corresponding to contents of the objective working memory from the rules of the knowledge base for one inference object by manipulating the working memory selecting unit and the parameter selecting unit as well.