TR-170: A Massively Parallel Knowledge-Base Server using a Hypercube Multiprocessor

Abstract

In this paper we study the parallel implementation of a traditional frame based knowledge representation system for a general purpose massively parallel hypercube architecture (such as the Connection Machine). We show that, using a widely available parallel system (instead of a special purpose architecture), it is possible to provide multiple users with efficient shared access to a large scale knowledge-base server. Parallel algorithms are presented for answering multiple inference, assert and retract queries on both, single and multiple inheritance hierarchies. In addition to theoretical time complexity analysis, empirical results obtained from extensive testing of a prototype implementation are presented.