Computer aided process planning is a key part of bridging the link between design and manufacturing. Case-based reasoning provides an attractive paradigm for process planning as it combines the generative and variant approaches and improves the effectiveness of the planner by applying old experiences to solving new planning problems. We present a new case-based planning methodology that extends the capability and effectiveness of previous approaches by incorporating the ability to learn new domain knowledge from other planners via an integrated knowledge sharing mechanism. In addition, our planner has the capability to use multiple cases in the process of constructing a new plan, providing more effective utilization of the planner's previous experiences. The planning algorithm is based on domain-independent partial-order planning, and provides a formal approach to case-based process planning.

Case-based manufacturing process planning with integrated support for knowledge sharing

Knowledge sharing between planners allows planning systems to collaborate when they encounter a task that cannot be solved by a single problem solver. This paper presents a formal methodology to translate knowledge so that the plans produced in one planner can be utilized and learned from in another. The methodology presented allows entire plans consisting of predicates, actions and the orderings between them to be converted from one representation to another by the use of translators defined in the formalism.

A methodology for the translation of knowledge between heterogeneous planners

Cooperation between planners is essential when solving many complicated problems in planning. In this paper, the authors discuss their knowledge sharing methodology for planning which is manifested in a framework, called KII (the Knowledge Interchange Interface). The KII is used to realize cooperation between heterogeneous planning systems. Cooperation takes place in a peer-to-peer manner through a common ontology. The KII consists of five integrated modules which are used to provide knowledge translation into and out of the defined common ontology language from the local knowledge representations and also to provide communication between the planning systems.

V. Wong

Papers

Knowledge sharing for planning: the Knowledge Interchange Interface