Constraint‐based reasoning for generating naval flying programmes

: A system for the generation of naval flying programmes is described. The task is typical of some resource allocation problems, and comprises both the allocation of airborne resources to naval activities whilst taking into account a number of constraints, and the re-allocation of these resources when circumstances change whilst retaining as much of the original plan as possible. Techniques for constraint-based reasoning and assumption-based reasoning are combined to solve the task. An algorithm is described, based around an Assumption-Based Truth Maintenance System (ATMS), that is able to generate an initial allocation, determine the knock-on effects of changing requirements or resources, to retain those parts of the plan that were unaffected, and to re-allocate those parts that were affected. An interactive graphical interface has been designed that allows the user and the system to cooperate in the creation of flying programmes that meet the constraints and fit the situation at hand.