A mixed-initiative scheduling workbench integrating AI, OR and HCI

摘要

In this paper we describe a decision support system for scheduling called MacMerl. This system weaves together numeric and symbolic computing techniques to form a ‘scheduler's workbench’. MacMerl has two major components. The first is a Scheduling Kernel which includes a Generative Scheduler, a Constraint Checker, and a Reactive Scheduler. The second is a Manual Scheduler which permits the human to create or modify schedules and includes a Critiquer as well as access to routines in the Scheduling Kernel. Taken together, these components support an approach to problem solving we call mixed-initiative scheduling in which the human and the machine interact in a coherent and cooperative manner to solve complex production scheduling problems.