Generation of Multiple Qualitatively Di erent Plan

Austin Tate, Je Dalton and John Levine Arti cial Intelligence Applications Institute The University of Edinburgh 80 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1HN, UK fa.tate, j.dalton, [email protected] http://www.aiai.ed.ac.uk/~oplan Abstract In this paper, we present a Web-based demonstration of a Course of Action (COA) comparison matrix being used as an interface to an O-Plan plan server to explore multiple qualitatively di erent plan options. The scenario used for this demonstration is concerned with crisis operations on the island of Paci ca. The COA comparison matrix allows the user to explore and evaluate several di erent plan options based on di erent command-level requirements and di erent assumptions about the conditions on the island. This work is part of a larger e ort to build a comprehensive mixed initiative planning system incorporating human users in designated user roles. Introduction Under the University of Edinburgh O-Plan Project (Currie and Tate, 1991; Tate, Drabble and Kirby, 1994), which is part of the DARPA/Air Force Research Laboratory (Rome) Planning Initiative { ARPI (Fowler et al., 1996; Tate, 1996a), we are exploring mixed initiative planning methods and their application to realistic problems in logistics, air campaign planning and crisis action response (Tate, Drabble and Dalton, 1996). In preparatory work, O-Plan has been demonstrated operating in a range of mixed initiative modes on a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) problem (Tate, 1994; Drabble, Tate and Dalton, 1995). A number of \user roles" were identi ed to help clarify some of the types of interaction involved and to assist in the provision of suitable support to the various roles (Tate, 1994). The overall concept for our demonstrations of OPlan acting in a mixed initiative multi-agent environment is to have humans and systems working together in given roles to populate a Course of Action (COA) / Elements of Evaluation comparison matrix. The columns of this matrix are alternative options being explored as a potential solution to a (possibly underspeci ed) problem and the rows are evaluations of the Task Direction & Plan Analysis Plan Development & Refinement TASK ASSIGNER Option: COA-2 Authority: ... Order Issued: ... Phase: Deployment Option: COA-2 Planning Workflow