Abstract: A method for the automatic examination of knowledge system hierarchies is disclosed. A target TMK hierarchy is represented as a plurality of records in a database. A second TMK hierarchy (a “critic”) is constructed of tasks, subtasks, methods, procedures and actions. The critic hierarchy includes actions that retrieve and examine at least one record of the database representing the target hierarchy. The examination of the record provides a result. The result is of the form of a modification of the processing within the critic hierarchy or of the form of a report or a modification of the target hierarchy's elements, namely, tasks, methods, procedures, actions, class structures, or the relationship between the elements.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for the graphical entry of knowledge information in Task-Method-Knowledge (TMK) notation into a computer system. The system comprises methods for entering the TMK hierarchy, defining new tasks 510, methods 512, procedures 522, and subtasks 518. Defined elements may be reviewed, modified, or deleted. Inputs to the tasks may be defined and the outputs of methods and procedures may be assigned. The hierarchy may be processed towards a solution. The entered hierarchy is displayed with visual clues as to the state and progress of the solution process.

Abstract: A method for the automatic examination of knowledge system hierarchies is disclosed. A target TMK hierarchy is represented as a plurality of records in a database. A second TMK hierarchy (a “critic”) is constructed of tasks, subtasks, methods, procedures and actions. The critic hierarchy includes actions that retrieve and examine at least one record of the database representing the target hierarchy. The examination of the record provides a result. The result is of the form of a modification of the processing within the critic hierarchy or of the form of a report or a modification of the target hierarchy's elements, namely, tasks, methods, procedures, actions, class structures, or the relationship between the elements. The report is in a form suitable for printing or displaying on a computer monitor. The modification of the target hierarchy is of the form of writing one or more records to the database representing the target hierarchy.

Abstract: A means for exporting a Task-Method-Knowledge (TMK) hierarchy is disclosed using XML as an intermediate file format. Using a computer interface, a user selects the TMK hierarchy, or portion of a TMK hierarchy, to export. The elements of the selected are written to a XML document using an XML schema specifically designed for the task. The order of element export assures that elements and relationships between elements are complete. The exported hierarchy as an XML document is transported to another XML hierarchy and imported. The user selects a receiving TMK project on the receiving system and resolves any naming conflicts.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for using a plurality of knowledge acquisition approaches to provide a solution to a task. The method includes providing at least one input parameter to define the task and at least one solution parameter to define the solution. A determination is made whether to use a Task-Method-Knowledge approach or a Structure-Behavior-Function approach for processing the task and the task is processed based on the input parameter. If the determined approach is the Task-Method-Knowledge approach, the processing may include determining whether a first portion of the task should be processed independently and whether to use the Task-Method-Knowledge approach or the Structure-Behavior-Function approach for processing the first portion. If the determined approach is the Structure-Behavior-Function approach, the processing may include determining whether a second portion of the task should be processed using the Task-Method-Knowledge approach.