(19)

(11)

EP 0 358 702 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 21.03.1990 Bulletin 1990/12 (21) Application number: 88904769.0 (22) Date of filing: 07.04.1988

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  G06F 17/ 24( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1988/001131 (87) International publication number: WO 1988/008160 (20.10.1988 Gazette 1988/23)

(84) Designated Contracting States: BE CH DE FR GB IT LI NL (30) Priority: 09.04.1987 US 19870036111 (71) Applicant: APPLIED EXPERT SYSTEMS, INC. Cambridge MA 02142 (US)	(72) Inventors: WOODS, William, A., Jr. Winchester, MA 01890 (US) SMITH, Terrence, M. Arlington, MA 02174 (US) (74) Representative: Blatchford, William Michael, et al  Withers & Rogers 4 Dyer's Buildings Holborn London EC1N 2JT London EC1N 2JT (GB)