Constraint-Directed Improvisation for Complex Domains

We present Waffler, a novel architecture that allows an agent to perform in complex, dynamic environments in a timely manner through improvisation. Improvisation involves using a routine method of accomplishing an activity as a guide to satisficing behaviour, adhering to that method as closely as the current situation permits for economic reasons, and exploring the background knowledge from which the routine has arisen to supplement the routine and move beyond it when necessary. Agents employing this approach can follow a routine in the face of uncertainty and variability, and can apply a routine in a situation with novel aspects, satisficing to the degree that time is available. This paper describes the Waffler architecture's basis in constraint-directed reasoning, it's knowledge structures and processing mechanisms, and an implementation in a simulated environment.

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