Diagnostic Reasoning with A-Prolog: A Model for Intelligent Agents Operating Physical Devices

Title: Diagnostic Reasoning with A-Prolog: A Model for Intelligent Agents Operating Physical Devices

Abstract: This research proposes an architecture for an intelligent agent that operates a physical device and is capable of making observations and testing and repairing the device's components. The agent's behavior is based on simplified definitions of symptoms, candidate diagnoses, and diagnoses, which are defined using the theory of action language AL. These definitions allow for a straightforward account of the agent's tasks, many of which are reduced to computing stable models of logic programs.

Keywords: Answer Set Programming, Diagnostic Reasoning, Intelligent Agents

Main Research Question: How can we develop an architecture for an intelligent agent that can effectively operate a physical device and diagnose and repair any issues that arise?

Methodology: The research suggests an architecture for an agent that operates in a changing environment. The agent is capable of making correct observations, performing actions, and remembering the device's history. The agent's knowledge base consists of three parts: an action (or system) description, a recorded history, and a collection of goals. The agent follows a observe-think-act-loop, focusing on the first step of interpreting discrepancies between the agent's expectations and the device's actual behavior.

Results: The research presents a simplified definition of symptoms, candidate diagnoses, and diagnoses based on the theory of action language AL. These definitions allow for a straightforward account of the agent's tasks, reducing many of them to computing stable models of logic programs. The research also provides an example of an agent operating an analog circuit, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed architecture.

Implications: The research suggests that the proposed architecture can be applied to a broad class of applications, as it can effectively operate physical devices and diagnose and repair any issues that arise. The research also opens up further avenues for exploration in the field, such as investigating how to handle situations with a substantial degree of uncertainty.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0312040v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0312040v1