Contents of the dissertation

This dissertation presents the problems which are hardly solvable using contemporary database systems. They are classified and defined in Chapter 2. In the same chapter the thesis of dissertation is stated and an outline of solution is given.

The Relational Model of Data is introduced in Chapter 3, as one of the most wide spread paradigms for databases. Then a different, more capable model is introduced in Chapter 4 which is Datalog. Chapter 5 gives an insight on Deductive Database Systems, which are databases based on Datalog instead of pure Relational Model.

Chapter 6 describes Prolog language, a superset of Datalog. It is one of the most popular languages of AI (Artificial Intelligence). Rule-based systems, which are one of the most popular AI technology, are outlined in Chapter 7.

Next, Chapter 8 describes a method how a Relational Database System can be coupled with the inference engine to solve the problems defined in Chapter 2. Analysis of a prototype system is given in Chapter 9. Design and implementation of the system are given in Chapter 10 and Chapter 11, respectively.

Chapter 12 gives illustrative examples, how to solve particular problems of classes which are defined earlier in Chapter 2. Finally, Chapter 13 concludes and outlines some future extensions and improvements.

In general, Chapters 1-7 provide an introduction to databases and knowledge processing, along with limitations of contemporary database systems. Chapters 8-13 describe the solution, its design, implementation, features and future improvements.

Igor Wojnicki 2005-11-07