Specifying and solving symbolic and numeric temporal constraints

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Sadaoui, Samira^{; *} | Mouhoub, Malek | Li, Xiao Feng

Affiliations: Department of Computer Science, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Samira Sadaoui, Department of Computer Science, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada. E-mail: sadaouis@uregina.ca

Abstract: Representing and solving combinatorial problems, especially those including temporal constraints, using a constraint programming language remains a challenging task. In this paper, we present a tool to assist users in specifying and solving problems under qualitative and quantitative temporal constraints. The tool is based on the TemPro framework that has the ability to manage both numeric and symbolic temporal constraints within a unique model. Our tool provides a generic template that can be specialized to describe a wide variety of temporal constraint applications. Given a problem under temporal constraints, the proposed tool with its friendly graphical user interface first assists the user in the different steps of the problem specification. The graph representation of the temporal constraint problem and its consistent scenarios are then automatically generated and visualized during the solving phase. The user has also the ability to add or remove some constraints and see the effects of these changes on the consistency of the problem.

Keywords: Constraint satisfaction, object constraint language, temporal reasoning

DOI: 10.3233/KES-130251

Journal: International Journal of Knowledge-based and Intelligent Engineering Systems, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 209-217, 2013