The High Level Processor

The High Level Processor (HLP) is the name given to the part of the IHS which carries out higher level computational tasks. Typical higher level tasks include creating and organising memories, matching new situations with previous ones, working out what to do next and possibly other more abstract tasks. The HLP can rely on the AMC to carry out fast autonomic responses to external events whilst it has a little more time to work out what should be done when more factors such as memory, are taken into account.

Known Functions of the HLP

Since the HLP is being redeployed and redesigned, its final functionality is not fully known. However, there are certain tasks which the HLP will perform and these can be listed. The HLP will carry out the following tasks:

• Building a Short Term Memory (STM)which can hold the most recent days events for real time decision making.
• Constructing and maintaining a Long Term Memory (LTM) from each days environmental sensor readings.
• Computing Occupancy Probability Levels (OPL) for each location at each event.
• Computing and applying AMC modifications which allow better control as experience grows.
• Maintaining higher level dialogue with a system user.

Rebuilding the HLP

The first steps in rebuilding the HLP will be to redesign and reconnect short and long term memory functions. In parallel with this, work will be carried out on the OPL. As soon as there is data available from LTM, the scheme for using this learned information to improve AMC based environmental control will be started.

Initially, all of these functions will be carried out within the larger processor but as the tasks become better defined such as OPL, then some of these may be moved down to the AMC with the aim of making efficient use of both processing systems, the AMC performing rapid responses and collecting data and the HLP carrying out more involved reasoning tasks.

Due to the possibility of changing the division of labour between the AMC and HLP, the current AMC will be left alone at present and development work will focus on the HLP until the concepts have been fully defined and implemented. It is the intension to fully redesign and rebuild the AMC at a later stage.