Means-End Analysis in Prodigy

Means-End Analysis in Prodigy

Prodigy's problem solver uses a means-ends algorithm to solve problems. Differences are determined by comparing the current state and the goal state. Unlike most means-ends algorithms, Prodigy may have several simultaneous goals to consider. The system first determines which goal to work toward and then generates differences for an individual goal once this determination has been made. These differences may be readily computed since all knowledge is expressed in PDL, which is both homogeneous and penetrable. Once differences have been computed for the current goal, operators are proposed based on their ability to reduce the differences. Since Prodigy uses STRIPS-like operators, this step corresponds to scanning the current operators' add-lists to determine if an operator asserts any predicates which, after binding, would result in the removal of a difference (the assertion of a goal state conjunct). Selection among the operators is mediated by control rules. In the absence of control rules, in accordance with Prodigy's casual commitment strategy, the mediation between operators defaults to a depth-first consideration of each.


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