Frame Representation Language

[use...@cuae2.uucp]

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