Encoding a task in the PSCM

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Encoding a task
===============

A specific task can be encoded in the PSCM by creating an operator in an
active problem space to perform the task.  This requires knowledge to propose
the operator as well as knowledge to detect when the operator, and thus the
task, is complete.  Once the task operator is selected, an impasse will
invariably be generated and a goal will be selected to apply the operator,
the operator will be applied, and the task will be completed.

Once a goal has been created, at the very minimum, the system must have a
complete set of task implementation knowledge. This knowledge may be directly
available, or it may be accessible only through problem solving in subgoals
(with associated task-implementation knowledge).  The minimal set will
include knowledge that performs the following PSCM functions:

  1. propose the task 
     (in the form of an operator);
     
  2. terminate the task when it has been completed 
     (terminate the operator that represents the task);
     
  3. propose a problem space for the task;
     
  4. propose a initial state for the task;
     
  5. propose operators to transform a state in the problem space; and
     
  6. apply an operator to transform one state to another in the problem space.


Additional search-control knowledge might include:

  1. compare the desirability of the task to other tasks;
     
  2. compare candidate problem spaces for the task;
     
  3. compare candidate operators for different states of the task;
     
  4. implementation and control for subtasks that arise for selection.
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