Message Suppression in Rule-Based Expert Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rule-based expert systems face message overload issues where redundant or superfluous messages are displayed, compromising system integrity and operator priority determination, as existing solutions like rule nesting and message classification either alter rule status or permanently redirect messages to secondary displays, leading to overlooked valuable information.
Innovation Solution
A method for message suppression in expert systems using a 'suppressed-by' attribute that dynamically inhibits the display of messages based on the status of other rules or conclusions, without altering the rule or conclusion status evaluation, allowing for dynamic routing of messages without affecting the system's logical correctness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If rule nesting is used to suppress messages, then message overload is reduced, but rule status integrity is compromised due to forced FALSE status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates message suppression from rule evaluation by introducing a dedicated suppression mechanism. The suppression decision is made independently based on the 'suppressed-by' attribute, while the rule's logical status remains unchanged. This segmentation allows message filtering without compromising the integrity of the rule status system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary suppression attribute that acts as a mediator between rule evaluation and message display. The 'suppressed-by' attribute stores the identifier of the rule that should suppress messages, allowing the system to filter messages without directly altering the logical status of rules. This intermediary mechanism preserves rule integrity while achieving message suppression.
2Loss of information
If message classification is used to suppress messages, then message overload is reduced, but system flexibility is reduced due to permanent redirection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic message suppression by evaluating the 'suppressed-by' attribute at runtime rather than using static classification. The suppression decision is made dynamically based on the current state of rules and their relationships, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions. This dynamic approach maintains flexibility while effectively suppressing redundant messages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of message suppression from a permanent classification attribute to a dynamic evaluation based on rule relationships. By using the 'suppressed-by' attribute that references other rules, the system can flexibly adjust message suppression based on the current operational context, maintaining adaptability while reducing message overload.
3Reliability
If all true rules display messages, then system completeness is maintained, but operator ability to determine priority is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts redundant messages from the display output by checking the 'suppressed-by' attribute. Messages from rules that are suppressed by other true rules are removed from the display, leaving only the essential messages that indicate the root cause or most significant issues. This extraction maintains system completeness internally while improving operator ability to determine priority externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of message overload into a benefit by using the suppression mechanism to highlight important messages. By suppressing messages from rules that are subordinate to other true rules, the system naturally prioritizes the display of more critical messages, making it easier for operators to determine message priority while maintaining complete rule evaluation.
Data Source
AI summary
One exemplary method for message suppression comprises: providing first and second rules, each having one or more preconditions and a conclusion, wherein the first rule also has a suppressed-by attribute and at least one of the second preconditions is suppressing; evaluating the one or more first and second preconditions; identifying the first rule as true or false; displaying the message of the second rule if all of the second preconditions are met; identifying the first rule as suppressed if the second rule is named in the suppressed-by attribute; and inhibiting the message display of the suppressed rule or routing the message to second display. The system can comprise: a database containing knowledge of the production unit; a user interface, and at least one precondition, a suppressed by attribute, and one or more rules each having a conclusion and at least one suppressing precondition; an inference engine; and a display.