Issues in Knowledge-Based Problem Solving

In knowledge-based problem-solving systems, many problems will be solved by application of general solution plans, each capable of satisfying a class of goal states from a variety of initial states. A range of important issues which must be addressed in the design of such problem-solving systems is discussed. One area of concern deals with the representation, storage, and activation of general solution plans. Another is the efficient coordination of plan executions in circumstances which demand concurrent satisfaction of several goal states. A third area deals with issues related to time: the maintenance over time of the environment in states which allow or facilitate application of general solution plans and the solution of problems under time constraints. A general model within which these issues can be addressed is proposed.