Deduction inference system for solving complex propositional logic problems in response to signals from a plurality of system sensors

A non NP-complete deduction inference system coupled to a plurality of sensors for transmitting condition/status signals to said deduction inference system and to output means for receiving command signals from said deduction inference system, said deduction inference system comprising:

• memory storage means for storing a plurality of predetermined propositional logic clauses, each propositional logic clause defining the conditions under which at least one of a plurality of flags will be set in response to transmitted condition/status signals from said plurality of sensors;
• means for selecting appropriate propositional logic expressions from said memory means in response to said transmitted condition/status signals and storing them in a working memory;
• transformation formulae logic means for transforming said set of propositional logic clauses into a set of derivative clauses logically equivalent to said set of propositional logic clauses;
• deducing means for performing deductions on the basis of said set of derivative clauses and said transmitted condition/status signals, said deducing means comprising:
• means for identifying a unit clause containing a single variable "p" within said set of derivative clauses and removing said unit clause from said set of derivative clauses;
• means for identifying compound clauses containing multiple variables within said set of derivative clauses;
• means for searching said compound clauses for the variable "not p";
• means for deleting the variable "not p" from each of said compound clauses to form a new set of derivative clauses, wherein said identifying means, said searching means, and said deleting means are repeatedly accessed until no more unit clauses containing a single variable can be identified;
• and
• means for generating a solution on the basis of said deductions;
• and
• means for generating command signals to said output means based on the solution from said deducing means, said output means including an actuator mechanism which, in response to said command signals, induces a physical response by transmitting activation signals to restore the stability of at least one device whose operation is directly or indirectly monitored by said plurality of sensors.