usenet@cuae2.UUCP (12/16/86)
Generics (Software) Ltd. wish to announce the availability of their Frame Representation Language, GenericsFRL. GenericsFRL is an implementation of a frame representation language much as described by Roberts and Goldstein in their FRL Manual and FRL Primer (1977). GenericsFRL retains many of the features of this language while offering some increased flexibility in areas such as demon activation. This language provides the necessary facilities for building and exploiting a frames knowledge base. GenericsFRL primitives can be classified into the following categories: FRAME CREATION and DESTRUCTION: Two distinct types of frame creation and destruction primitives are distinguished in GenericsFRL. Passive functions create and destroy frames without activating associated demons. Active functions create and destroy frames with activation of demons. FRAME RETRIEVAL: Functions are provided for retrieving frame structures and frame names. These functions can also be used as predicates to test for the presence of a frame in the frames base. DATA MANIPULATION: Three fundamental primitives are provided which allow data to be added, removed, and retrieved from a frame. The user can control demon activation and access to default and inherited values. DATA VERIFICATION: Functions are provided which allow data in a frame to be checked against specified conditions and constraints. FRAME INSTANTIATION: Generic frames can be instantiated using a general instantiation primitive. SAVING FRAMES: Frames can be saved and read in from mass storage. A frame environment can be dumped to mass storage. The GenericsFRL Package GenericsFRL is implemented in CommonLISP. It is designed to run in a LISP environment, i.e. it cannot be run without first loading the appropriate LISP system. GenericsFRL adheres to the CommonLISP standard and so is highly portable. It runs on any machine that supports a CommonLISP environment. In addition, we provide modules which allow it to run in other high-level lisp dialects - such as FranzLISP. GenericsFRL is the first of a series of frame based tools called the FR.Series. Additions to the series in the near future include a frame editor, a knowledge-base builder and browser, and an inference mechanism provided by rule attachments. At present, versions of GenericsFRL are available for: - IBM-PC/XT with Golden Common Lisp - Apple Macintosh with ExperLisp - DEC microVAX and VAX with FranzLisp under Ultrix/Unix - DEC microVAX and VAX with VAXLisp. Our licencing terms are as follows: Single-user licence - microcomputer ~$300 (IBM-PC/XT, Macintosh ...) microVAX ~$500 VAX 11/... ~$600 Multi-user/Site licence - (negotiable). In addition to our single and multi-user licences, special licences are available for educational institutions. For more information about GenericsFRL and the FR.Series, contact Brendan Mc Gee via mail: Generics (Software) Ltd. 7 Leopardstown Office Park, Foxrock, Dublin 18, Ireland. Phone: + 353 - 1 - 954012 via e-mail : ...seismo!mcvax!ukc!einode!genrix!mcgee