In an example from Guardian's ICU domain, the system may have a long-term plan to monitor respiratory parameters. If a monitoring operation returns anomalous data, the system may choose a planning operation to start a shorter-term diagnosis process. The long-term monitoring plan is still in effect, though it may reduce observation frequency to provide selective attention. The short-term diagnosis plan will probably have higher priority, in accordance with the time-stress responsivity constraints.
Upon completion of the diagnosis plan, Guardian will add plans for explanation, correction, and verification. Having resolved the abnormality, the system will deactivate these plans and resume the long-term monitoring plan with its original parameters. Notice that this plan was always present, though with lower priority, demonstrating the simultaneous existence of multiple goals.