Generalizing Backtrack-Free Search: A Framework for Search-Free Constraint SatisfactionTractable classes of constraint satisfaction problems are of great importance in artificial intelligence. Identifying and taking advantage of such classes can significantly speed up constraint problem solving. In addition, tractable classes are utilized in applications where strict worst-case performance guarantees are required, such as constraint-based plan execution. In this work, we present a formal framework for search-free (backtrack-free) constraint satisfaction. The framework is based on general procedures, rather than specific propagation techniques, and thus generalizes existing techniques in this area. We also relate search-free problem solving to the notion of decision sets and use the result to provide a constructive criterion that is sufficient to guarantee search-free problem solving.
Document ID
20000119024
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Other
Authors
Jonsson, Ari K. (Research Inst. for Advanced Computer Science Moffett Field, CA United States)
Frank, Jeremy (Caelum Research Corp. Moffett Field, CA United States)