Interaction Between Subsystems

To be able to specify the protocols and data transformation between the subsystems in the environment, the types of actions and dependencies among these subsystems must be identified. Also, the knowledge representation used in each subsystem should be determined.

The following are the different types of actions that can occur in the environment:

• Apply relations between parameters.
• Check constraints.
• Make decisions. (Usually, the user makes the decisions.)
• Search in tables or catalogs.
• Update data files.
• Deliver reports (text, graphs, tables, etc.).

There are several data representations and sources such as:

• Input from the user.
• Data files.
• Text files (documentation, reports, messages).
• Geometric representations (Alpha_1).
• Mathematical Formulae.
• Graphs.
• Catalogs and tables.
• Rules and constraints.
• Programs written in different languages (C, C++, Lisp, Prolog, etc.).