Problem Characteristics in Artificial Intelligence, Unit -2 Problem Solving and Searching Techniques o choose an appropriate method for a particular problem first we need to categorize the problem based on the following characteristics. Is the problem decomposable into small sub-problems which are easy to solve? Can solution steps be ignored or undone? Is the universe of the problem is predictable? Is a good solution to the problem is absolute or relative? Is the solution to the problem a state or a path? What is the role of knowledge in solving a problem using artificial intelligence? Does the task of solving a problem require human interaction? 1. Is the problem decomposable into small sub-problems which are easy to solve? Can the problem be broken down into smaller problems to be solved independently? See also Water Jug Problem in Artificial Intelligence The decomposable problem can be solved easily. Example: In this case, the problem is divided into smaller problems. The smaller problems are solved independently. Finally, the result is merged to get the final result. Is the problem decomposable 2. Can solution steps be ignored or undone? In the Theorem Proving problem, a lemma that has been proved can be ignored for the next steps. Such problems are called Ignorable problems. In the 8-Puzzle, Moves can be undone and backtracked. Such problems are called Recoverable problems. In Playing Chess, moves can be retracted. Such problems are called Irrecoverable problems. Ignorable problems can be solved using a simple control structure that never backtracks. Recoverable problems can be solved using backtracking. Irrecoverable problems can be solved by recoverable style methods via planning. 3. Is the universe of the problem is predictable? In Playing Bridge, We cannot know exactly where all the cards are or what the other players will do on their turns. Uncertain outcome! For certain-outcome problems, planning can be used to generate a sequence of operators that is guaranteed to lead to a solution. For uncertain-outcome problems, a sequence of generated operators can only have a good probability of leading to a solution. Plan revision is made as the plan is carried out and the necessary feedback is provided. 4. Is a good solution to the problem is absolute or relative? The Travelling Salesman Problem, we have to try all paths to find the shortest one. See also Generate and Test Heuristic Search - Artificial Intelligence Any path problem can be solved using heuristics that suggest good paths to explore. For best-path problems, a much more exhaustive search will be performed. 5. Is the solution to the problem a state or a path The Water Jug Problem, the path that leads to the goal must be reported.