Constraint-Choice-Action Matrix for Decision Making: Apparatus and Method

Abstract

The present invention is an apparatus and method for constructing a Constraint-Choice-Action Matrix for making decisions based on constraints. Columns (in one matrix orientation) state conditions. The column header presents a partial boolean expression. Such variable expression may be any object or type, e.g., a number, string, or list. An entry in a cell, selected using a GUI pick-list, combines with the column header, to complete the boolean expression. The set of boolean expressions in a row may be combined into an action boolean statement. If that statement evaluates to true, some action, represented as a row header, is recommended or executed. The matrix is applied to an instance of a context domain, for decision-making. The context domain may be represented in a model representing an instance of that domain (e.g., a product specification for configuration of a machine) in data and rules.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A method, comprising:
 a) specifying a configuration for an object; and   b) for each of a plurality of actions represented by a Constraint-Choice-Action Matrix,
 (i) evaluating cell boolean expressions, as applied to the configuration, that correspond to the action, and 
 (ii) evaluating an action boolean expression that is based on the cell boolean expressions. 
   
     
     
         11 . A method, comprising:
 a) receiving a configuration specification for an object; and   b) for each of a plurality of actions represented by a Constraint-Choice-Action Matrix,
 (i) evaluating, for the configuration specification, cell boolean expressions that correspond to the action, and 
 (ii) evaluating an action boolean expression that is based on the cell boolean expressions, and 
 (iii) taking an action if the action boolean expression evaluates to a specified value. 
   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the action includes constructing a machine specification that matches the configuration specification. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the action includes adding an item to a bill of materials for manufacturing the object. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the object is a machine. 
     
     
         15 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A method, comprising:
 a) accessing a set of tree elements from a repository in computer readable medium, the tree elements corresponding to a context domain;   b) selecting a tree element in the set from a pick-list depicted on a graphical user interface (GUI);   c) selecting an operator from a pick-list of operators depicted on the GUI, the operators in the pick-list corresponding to the tree element;   d) forming a boolean expression, which includes a variable, from the selected tree element and the selected operator.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the context domain is a class of machines. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the context domain is a class of motor vehicles. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the context domain is a system of a class of machines that performs a specified function.