DESIGN-TO-TIME REAL-TIME SCHEDULING

Design-to-time is an approach to problem solving in resource-constrain ed domains where: multiple solution methods are available for tasks, t hose solution methods make trade-offs in solution quality versus time, and satisficing solutions are acceptable. Design-to-time involves des igning a solution to a problem that uses all available resources to ma ximize the solution quality within the available time. This paper defi nes the design-to-time approach in detail, contrasting it to the anyti me algorithm approach, and presents a heuristic algorithm for design-t o-time real-time scheduling. Our blackboard architecture that implemen ts the design-to-time approach is discussed and an example problem and solution from the Distributed Vehicle Monitoring Testbed (DVMT) is de scribed in detail. Experimental results, generated using a simulation, show the effects of various parameters on scheduler performance. Fina lly, future research goals and plans are discussed.