Frame-based knowledge representation system and methods

Patent 6442566 Issued on August 27, 2002. Estimated Expiration Date:

December 15, 2019. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Assignee

Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University

Application

No. 464642 filed on 12/15/1999

US Classes:

707/103R, Object-oriented database structure707/2Access augmentation or optimizing

Examiners

Primary: Mizrahi, Diane D.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Lumen Intellectual Property Services, Inc.

International Class

G06F 017/30

Abstract

A frame-based knowledge representation system is built on a relational database that is completely transparent to the user. A user at a client machine sends standard knowledge base queries across a distributed computer system and the system translates the queries into a language suitable for querying the database, such as Structured Query Language (SQL). The system stores a hierarchical data model that includes classes, particular instances of the classes, and relations among the classes and instances. Primitive objects, such as classes and instances, are organized with their associated attributes into frames. The system consists of three main tables and auxiliary tables. The frames table stores frames with associated slots and values, along with associated ownerships, access permissions, and other facets. The superclass-set table stores the frames and associated superclasses or ancestor classes. The third table, the classes table, stores class frames, slots, and values, and a slot type designating a slot as own or template. The database also includes tables for security definitions, logging, and other features. To query the knowledge base, the user submits a query, preferably according to the Open Knowledge Base Connectivity protocol, and the system translates the query into SQL. The result is formatted and processed to check user permissions before being returned to the user over the computer network. The system is accessed through a variety of interfaces, including a Web browser and various application programming interfaces.

Other References

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