Bit vector rules presentation based fast inference algorithm

The FDD (fault detection and diagnosis) expert system of rockets must diagnose quickly with pre-launch testing data. Therefore, it needs a fast inference algorithm that is capable of dealing with mass data. Algorithm Rete, when facing mass data and rules to be tested, has the disadvantages, such as the great consumption of system resource, and deteriorates its inference efficiency. Using bit vectors to present rules, and combining the idea of network structure from Rete algorithm, a fast inference algorithm is designed and adapted it to FDD characteristics of rockets. This algorithm has been applied in a distributed FDD expert system for one specific type of a Chinese Rocket. Preliminary results indicate that this algorithm reasons quickly and accurately with less system resource consumption, and meets the real-time requirement of system.