Abstract: A method of supporting the decision-making on the basis of a table type data is disclosed, which comprises the processes of defining a knowhow relating to the interpretation of the table type data, storing the knowhow in a storage unit, effecting the reasoning by application of the knowhow thus defined, and evaluating the knowhow thus defined. (a) Information is applied by way of an input unit for starting any of the process of defining a knowhow, effecting the reasoning by application of the knowhow and ending the system process, (b) the information thus inputted is discriminated to execute a corresponding process of operation, and (c) if the corresponding process of operation is other than ending, the process is returned to step (a).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a consultation system which stores the intention of a client, processing know-how of consultation and progress status of consultation in addition to an expertise of the field of consultation, the status of client and reply, and accomplishes the flow of consultation in accordance with the intention and reaction of the client. Thus, the client can ask advices or expert's opinion in accordance with his desire.

Abstract: In a production system having a memory for storing a group of rules each comprising a condition part and a conclusion part, inference means for inferring by using the group of rules and a working memory, whether a condition part is true or false in the working memory is determined, and if it cannot be determined, a rule having a conclusion part as to whether the fact is true or false is searched, and the conclusion part of the searched rule is used for backward reasoning. If the rule is not found by the search, an inquiry is made to a user.

Abstract: An information processing system which has a portion for storing metaknowledge and a portion for utilizing the metaknowledge stored in said storage portion. In newly acquiring knowledge, the utilizing portion utilizes the metaknowledge stored in said storage portion. A knowledge input prompting function that works to utilize the metaknowledge makes reference to metaknowledge in the metaknowledge memory function, looks for knowledge that is lacking, and prompts the input thereof. An input knowledge checking function which also utilizes the metaknowledge makes reference to metaknowledge to look for constraint related to the input knowledge, and evaluates whether it is satisfied or not. These utilization functions make it possible to keep the justification and consistency of knowledge acquired.

Abstract: Automatic layout planning without previously specifying place of each parts is made possible by utilizing groups of rules each comprising a condition section and a procedure section. An appropriate group of rules can be called from a knowledge base according to an intermediate layout plan generated in a data structure by a rule interpreter.