JPH0816403A - Knowledge base structuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To utilize processes for deciding correctness and solving problems even during operation for constituting a knowledge base, to improve the precision of the outputted knowledge base, and to constitute the knowledge base which reduces feedback operation such as debugging operation. CONSTITUTION:This device consists of a knowledge input part 1 which defines knowledge to be constituted by inputting the knowledge of a knowledge base constructing operator U, a knowledge processing part 2 which processes the knowledge inputted to the knowledge input part 1 and outputs the knowledge base, and a storage device 4 which stores the operation history of the knowledge processing part 2 and the outputted knowledge base. Then the knowledge processing part 2 consists of a knowledge base managing device 21, a knowledge format converting device 22, a knowledge reference device 23, a knowledge correctness a deciding device 24, and a problem solving device 25. Further, the knowledge input part 1 consists of a shape knowledge defining and editing device 11, a, hierarchical structure defining and editing device 12, and a character string knowledge defining and editing device 13. Further, the knowledge processing part 2 and knowledge input part 1 are connected by a control part 3 which actuates and controls the respective devices 21-25 constituting the knowledge processing part 2 on the basis of the knowledge from the knowledge input part 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a knowledge base construction apparatus which can be operated by a knowledge owner himself who does not have any preliminary knowledge for constructing a knowledge base as a knowledge base builder.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a knowledge base is a kind of computer program described in a predetermined knowledge language, and knowledge and experience in the knowledge language are required when constructing the knowledge base.

Therefore, conventionally, as shown in FIG. 7, a knowledge base construction device 109 connected to a knowledge base 101 is a system developer 1 having knowledge and experience about a knowledge description language.
The operation mode in which 10 operates is adopted.

The system developer 110 obtains knowledge from the knowledge owner 111 by conducting an oral interview with the knowledge owner 111 when constructing the knowledge base.

Further, the system developer 110 creates materials based on the acquired knowledge and systematizes the knowledge. Then, based on the material, the knowledge base construction device 109 is operated to construct the knowledge base 101.

However, in such a conventional knowledge base construction method, since the interview is conducted verbally, it is difficult to obtain complete knowledge in one interview. It is almost impossible to acquire complete knowledge in the interview.

As a result, even after the knowledge base 101 is once constructed, there is a problem that it is necessary to add or correct knowledge.

Furthermore, the present inventors have filed Japanese Patent Application No. 4-30879.
In the specification and drawings of No. 3, a knowledge base construction system was proposed in which the knowledge owner himself can operate as a knowledge base builder.

As shown in FIG. 8, this system comprises a knowledge base 101 in which the knowledge of the knowledge owner should be described in a predetermined knowledge language, and the knowledge owner constructs a knowledge base constructing operation as a knowledge base builder. The system 102,
A database 104 having a data structure having a hierarchical structure in which a plurality of nodes are related to each other and detailed knowledge is defined in each node, and a knowledge base 101 by converting data in the database 104 into the knowledge language. And a detailed knowledge definition device 106 for defining detailed knowledge for each node of the hierarchical structure of knowledge in the database 104. The hierarchical structure definition device 105 and the detailed knowledge definition device By operating 106, knowledge can be described and changed.

However, in such a conventional technique, the knowledge input units 105 to 107 are used in the database 1 in the system 102.
There is a problem in that the functions of the knowledge input units 105 to 107 and the processing contents of defined knowledge are not clarified.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of these problems of the prior art, and it is possible to use processing such as correctness determination and problem solving even during the knowledge base construction work. The purpose is to build a knowledge base that can improve the accuracy of the output knowledge base and reduce feedback work such as debugging.

In the construction of the knowledge base, it is the same as in the prior art that the builder is not required to have accurate knowledge about the knowledge base.

[0013]

According to the present invention, a knowledge input section for inputting the knowledge of a knowledge base builder and defining the knowledge to be constructed, and processing the knowledge input to the knowledge input section and outputting it as a knowledge base. And a storage device that stores the work history of the knowledge processing unit and the output knowledge base.

The knowledge processing section comprises a knowledge base management device, a knowledge format conversion device, a knowledge reference device, a knowledge correctness determination device, and a problem solving device.

The knowledge input section comprises a shape knowledge definition editing device, a hierarchical structure definition editing device, and a character string knowledge definition editing device.

Further, the knowledge processing section and the knowledge input section are connected by a control section for starting and controlling each device constituting the knowledge processing section based on the knowledge of the knowledge input section.

[0017]

According to the above structure, the knowledge input section for defining the knowledge, the knowledge processing section for processing the input knowledge, and the storage device for outputting the processed knowledge are provided, and the accurate knowledge about the knowledge base is provided. It will be a system that allows even workers who do not construct a knowledge base easily.

Further, since the knowledge reference device is provided in the knowledge processing section controlled by the control section, not only when the knowledge base builder issues a request for the knowledge reference, but also the work other than the knowledge reference such as the editing of the knowledge. In the meanwhile, knowledge reference processing is automatically performed as needed.

This is because the control unit drives the knowledge reference device as needed, not only at the request of the knowledge base builder.

The knowledge processing unit is provided with a knowledge base management device, a knowledge format conversion device, a knowledge reference device, a knowledge correctness determination device, and a problem solving device, so that the validity of the knowledge base can be determined during construction of the knowledge base. , Can solve the problem.

Moreover, since the knowledge input section is provided with the shape knowledge definition editing device, the hierarchical structure definition editing device, and the character string knowledge definition editing device, the knowledge input is further simplified.

Further, the control unit efficiently controls the knowledge input unit and the knowledge processing unit, and stably activates and controls each device of the knowledge processing unit.

[0023]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the knowledge base building apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

First, FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the system configuration of the apparatus. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a knowledge input unit, which functions as an interface unit that defines knowledge input from a knowledge base builder (user) U. This knowledge input section 1
Includes a shape knowledge definition editing device 11, a hierarchical structure definition editing device 12, and a character string knowledge definition editing device 13.

Reference numeral 2 is a knowledge processing unit for processing the knowledge defined by the knowledge input unit 1 to construct a knowledge base, which is activated and controlled by the control unit 3. The knowledge processing unit 2 includes a knowledge base management device 21, a knowledge processing conversion device 22, a knowledge reference device 23, a knowledge correctness determination device, and a problem solving device 25.

Reference numeral 4 is an external storage device for storing the output of the knowledge processing unit 2, 5 is external data output from the knowledge format conversion device 22, and 6 is a work history of each device in the knowledge processing unit 2. It is a working storage device.

The operation of the system having the above configuration will be described below. FIG. 2 shows a conceptual diagram of knowledge input to the knowledge input unit. Here, it is assumed that a knowledge base for designing a rectangular block is to be constructed.

In this case, as the shape knowledge T1, the coordinates of the reference point (origin) are at (x1, y1, z1) and the width Wi.
A Box having dth, length Length, and height Height, which is developed on the table like T2.

Note that x1, y1, and z1 are variable variables, and Width, Length, and Height represent attributes.

As the hierarchical structure knowledge T3, the relationship between the parts A and B and the parts A1 and B2 forming the product C (the Box) is developed into a tree structure, which is developed into a description such as T3.

As other knowledge T5, each part A
The relationship between 1 and B2 is described by a character string, which is expanded in the table as T6 as it is.

Each table T2 thus obtained,
T4 and T6 are input to the control unit 3.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operations of the knowledge base management device 21, the knowledge format conversion device 22, and the knowledge correctness judgment device 24. Here, it is assumed that the character string knowledge of T5 is input, but the same applies when other shape knowledge and hierarchical structure knowledge are input.

When the user U inputs the knowledge (step S1), the character string knowledge definition editing device 13 reads the knowledge such as "the height of the part A is twice the height of the part B". (Step S2) is performed, and knowledge is defined in step S3.

The knowledge read in step S2 proceeds to the knowledge format check (step S4) process by the control unit 3. In this step, the format is checked by activating the knowledge correctness determination device 24 in the knowledge processing unit 2 (step S).
5) Step.

The knowledge inspection work result output in step S5 is fed back to the control unit 3, and it is determined in step S6 in the control unit 3 whether or not it is OK. If it is OK, the process proceeds to the knowledge format conversion process of step S7. If NO, the result is the character string definition editing device 13 as error information.
It is fed back to step S8.

In the knowledge format conversion step of step S7, the format of the character string knowledge input by the knowledge format conversion device 22 is converted (step S9), and knowledge data is created (step S10).

The created knowledge data (work result) is fed back to the control unit 3, and step S1 in the control unit 3 is performed.
At 1, it is determined whether or not it is OK. If it is OK, the process proceeds to the knowledge correctness check process of step S12. If NO, the result is fed back to step S8 in the character string definition editing device 13 as error information.

In the knowledge validity checking step of step S12, the knowledge data input by the knowledge validity determining device 24 is checked (step S13).

The result of this inspection work is fed back to the control unit 3, and it is determined in step S14 in the control unit 3 whether or not it is OK. If it is OK, the process proceeds to the step of newly defining knowledge in step S15. If NO, the result is fed back to step S8 in the character string knowledge definition editing device 13 as error information.

In the new definition step of knowledge in step S15, the knowledge data input by the knowledge base management device 21 is registered as new knowledge data (step S1).
6) Is done. The registered knowledge data is stored in the work storage device 6, and the work result is fed back to the control unit 3, and the operation result is returned to the control unit 3 in step S17.
It is determined whether or not K. If OK, the work result is fed back to the character string knowledge definition editing device 13, and if NO, the error information is also fed back.

Finally, in step S8 in the character string knowledge definition editing device 13, a comprehensive determination of all the above processes is performed. As a result, if the result is OK, the work result is given, and if the result is NO, the error information is given to the user. Give feedback to U. Based on this result, the user U recognizes whether the knowledge input was successful or not, and proceeds to the next work.

Next, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the knowledge reference device 23. Here, it is assumed that the character string knowledge is also input, but the same applies when other shape knowledge or hierarchical structure knowledge is input.

When the user U inputs a reference of knowledge (step S21), the xxx (character string knowledge in this case) definition editing device 13 reads knowledge such as "knowledge about height of part A?" (Step S22) is performed, and the process proceeds to the knowledge reference step in step S23.

In the knowledge reference step, the reference request data is sent to the control unit 3, the knowledge is referred to in the control unit 3 (step S24), the reference request data is sent to the knowledge reference device 23, and the knowledge reference device 23 is sent in step S25. Knowledge search is performed. This search is executed by accessing the data in the working storage device 6.

The search result (work result) is fed back to the control unit 3, and OK in step S26 in the control unit 3.
Is determined. In the case of OK, the work result is fed back to the definition editing device 13, and in the case of NO, the error information is also fed back.

Step S27 in the definition editing device 13
Then, it is determined based on the feedback data from the control unit 3 whether or not the work up to now is OK. If OK, the work result (search result) is returned to the user U, and if NO, error information is returned. Be done.

Next, FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operations of the knowledge correctness judging device 24 and the problem solving device 25. Here, it is assumed that the character string knowledge is also input, but the same applies when other shape knowledge or hierarchical structure knowledge is input.

When the driving of the knowledge is input by the user U (step S31), the xxx (character string knowledge in this case) definition editing device 13 reads the knowledge such as "is the height of the part A?" (Step S31). S32) is performed, and the process proceeds to the knowledge driving process in step S33.

In the knowledge driving process, the driving request data is sent to the control unit 3, the knowledge is driven in the control unit 3 (step S34), and the problem solving device 25, which is a knowledge driving device, is driven.
The drive request data is sent to (the same applies to the knowledge correctness determination device 24), and inference / calculation is performed in step S35. This inference / calculation is executed by accessing the data in the working storage device 6.

The work result is fed back to the control unit 3, and it is determined in step S36 in the control unit 3 whether or not it is OK. In the case of OK, the work result is fed back to the definition editing device 13, and in the case of NO, the error information is also fed back.

Step S37 in the definition editing device 13
Then, it is determined based on the feedback data from the control unit 3 whether or not the work up to now is OK. If the work is OK, the work result is returned to the user U, and if the work is NO, error information is returned.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation of knowledge editing work. Here, it is assumed that the character string knowledge is input, but other knowledge may be used.

The user U uses xx to edit the knowledge.
The xx (character string knowledge in this case) definition editing device 13 is requested to edit the knowledge to be edited, for example, "knowledge about the height of the part A" (step S41).

In response to the request, the character string knowledge editing device 13 starts editing the knowledge in step S41, and sends an edit request of "knowledge about the height of the part A" to the control unit 3.

In response to the edit request, the control unit 3 first drives the knowledge reference device 23 (step S43), and
The knowledge regarding the height of the is referred to (step S44).

If an error occurs at this time, the error information is presented to the user U through the control unit 3 and the character string knowledge definition editing device 13 (steps S45 and S46).

If the reference is successful, the control unit 3 sends the reference result (work result) to the character string knowledge definition editing device 13, and the character string knowledge definition editing device 13 presents the knowledge to the user U (step S47). .

The user edits the presented knowledge (step S48), and when the editing work by the character string knowledge editing device 13 is completed (step S49), the knowledge registration request is sent to the control section 3. Then, the knowledge definition process is performed in the control unit 3 (step S51).

If an error occurs as a result, error information is presented to the user U through the character string knowledge editing device 13 (steps S52 and S53).

As described above, even in the case of a request from the user U different from the knowledge reference, the control section 3 can automatically drive the knowledge reference device 23 as necessary to perform the work of extracting the necessary knowledge. it can.

[0062]

As described above, according to the present invention, the knowledge input unit for defining knowledge, the knowledge processing unit for processing the input knowledge, and the storage device for outputting the processed knowledge are provided, and the knowledge base is provided. This has the effect of providing a system that allows even a worker who does not have accurate knowledge about to easily build a knowledge base.

Since the knowledge processing unit is provided with the knowledge base management device, the knowledge format conversion device, the knowledge reference device, the knowledge correctness determination device, and the problem solving device, it is possible to determine the correctness during the knowledge base construction work. , Having the effect of being able to solve the problem.

Further, the knowledge input section is provided with the shape knowledge definition editing device, the hierarchical structure definition editing device, and the character string knowledge definition editing device, which has the effect of simplifying the knowledge input.

Further, the control section has an effect of controlling the knowledge input section and the knowledge processing section with each other efficiently and stably starting and controlling each device of the knowledge processing section.

Since the knowledge reference device is provided in the knowledge processing section controlled by the control section, not only when the knowledge base builder issues a request for knowledge reference, but also during work other than knowledge reference, The effect is that the process of knowledge reference can be automatically performed if necessary.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment of a knowledge base construction apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a part to be designed using a knowledge base.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the knowledge correctness determination device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the knowledge reference device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the problem solving device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the knowledge reference device when a request other than knowledge reference is made.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment of a conventional knowledge base construction apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram showing another embodiment of the conventional knowledge base building apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Knowledge Input Unit 2 Knowledge Processing Unit 3 Control Unit 4 External Storage Device 11 Geometry Knowledge Definition Editing Device 12 Hierarchical Structure Definition Editing Device 13 Character String Knowledge Definition Editing Device 21 Knowledge Base Management Device 22 Knowledge Format Conversion Device 23 Knowledge Reference Device 24 Knowledge Correctness judgment device 25 Problem solving device

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hajime Shiba 2-5-5 Keihan Hon-dori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Mizoue 2-chome, Keihan-hondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka No. 5 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takafumi Nakayama 2-5-5 Keihan Hondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A knowledge input unit for inputting the knowledge of a knowledge base builder and defining the knowledge to be constructed, a knowledge processing unit for processing the knowledge input to the knowledge input unit and outputting it as a knowledge base, and the knowledge. A knowledge base construction device including a storage device for storing a work history of a processing unit and an output knowledge base. 2. The knowledge base building apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the knowledge processing unit includes a knowledge base management apparatus, a knowledge format conversion apparatus, a knowledge reference apparatus, a knowledge correctness determination apparatus, and a problem solving apparatus. 3. The knowledge base building apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the knowledge input unit includes a shape knowledge definition editing apparatus, a hierarchical structure definition editing apparatus, and a character string knowledge definition editing apparatus. 4. The knowledge processing unit and the knowledge input unit,
The knowledge base construction apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the knowledge base construction apparatus is connected by a control section that activates and controls each apparatus that constitutes the knowledge processing section based on the knowledge of the knowledge input section.