Interoperability Semantics in Distributed Frame Hierarchy

The paper presents a formal semantics for distributed inference in the family of intelligent systems based on distributed frame hierarchy model. A formal semantics for a subclass of frame-production systems is presented, based on denoting a knowledgebase by a frame world state function W, and then defining an operational semantics for logical inference in terms of transformations of this function. Distributed frame hierarchy is then represented by a set of state functions with either static or mobile references to each other, corresponding to static and mobile inheritance or aggregation. Two types of semantics are introduced for inference in distributed system: equivalent semantics, where distributed system is reduced to an equivalent state function by means of combination operator F, and extended semantics, defined on sets of state functions. By demonstrating equivalence of those semantics in the class of normal systems we can also show the equivalence of static and mobile inheritance. Described semantics forms the basic functionality of JULIA toolkit for creating distributed Permission to copy without fee all or part of this material is granted provided that the copies are not made or distributed for direct commercial advantage, the CSIT copyright notice and the title of the publication and its date appear, and notice is given that copying is by permission of the Institute for Contemporary Education JMSUICE. To copy otherwise, or to republish, requires a fee and/or special permission from the JMSUICE. Proceedings of the 4 International Workshop on Computer Science and Information Technologies