Research

Constraints allow users of active templates to related different pieces of information in checking that a plan is feasible. Users need to be able to modify constraints because the particular objectives and rules to follow are often unique to the current situation. We are developing Constable, a tool that helps users to modify the constraints that they are using to check a plan. We provide a uniform interface to different data sources that also allows users to integrate these sources within the constraints that are applied.

This work involves research in the areas of knowledge aquisition scripts, dependency analysis, intelligent user interfaces and integrating information sources. Under the Temple project we are developing the Constable system for managing constraints using KA wizards and an English-based constraint editor. Constable provides wizards to help a user examine and make modifications to the constraints being used to check the plan, and add new constraints. For more details, see the individual project pages for Constable and the English editor.