Patent ID: 7009610

Claim:
A process for use in computational decision making based on a using a hierarchical tree structure including a) a plurality of positions having modified values which positions may correspond to outputs, b) a plurality of supporting and objecting arguments having values each of which is associated with one of said positions and which may correspond to input data and c) a plurality of data structures defining linkages between said positions and arguments representing functional relationships between said positions and arguments, comprising the steps of: a) sequentially selecting each of said positions in said tree structure; b) calculating a position modified value for each selected position by accumulating and mathematically combining the supporting arguments and objecting arguments associated with the position; and c) adjusting a plurality of position and argument related values for all other positions after said modified position value for each selected position is calculated based on the functional relationships defined in said linkage data structure to arrive at adjusted values for said other positions and arguments.