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Optimal Sequencing of Contract Algorithms

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Abstract

We address the problem of building an interruptible real-time system using non-interruptible components. Some artificial intelligence techniques offer a tradeoff between computation time and quality of results, but their run-time must be determined when they are activated. These techniques, called contract algorithms, introduce a complex scheduling problem when there is uncertainty about the amount of time available for problem-solving. We show how to optimally sequence contract algorithms to create the best possible interruptible system with or without stochastic information about the deadline. These results extend the foundation of real-time problem-solving and provide useful guidance for embedding contract algorithms in applications.

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Zilberstein, S., Charpillet, F. & Chassaing, P. Optimal Sequencing of Contract Algorithms. Annals of Mathematics and Artificial Intelligence 39, 1–18 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024412831598

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