PAMS: A Domain‐specific Knowledge‐based Parallel Machine Scheduling System

Abstract

Abstract: To overcome the inefficiency of domain independent tools, a domain‐specific knowledge‐based shell for parallel machine scheduling problems, PAMS (PArallel Machine Scheduling System), is proposed. PAMS has the following features; mixed knowledge representation, two‐stage status‐driven control strategy, conflict resolution using domain theory, domain‐specific syntax and primitive operators, interface with database, domain‐specific input/output interface, interactive scheduling capability, built‐in heuristic knowledge, multiple levels of schedule, and expansibility of the domain. A prototype of PAMS, PAMS‐1, is developed using C‐language on a supermicrocomputer, and the performance of PAMS‐1 is evaluated. The results show that the PAMS‐1 performs very well from various perspectives.