Progressive reasoning for real-time intelligent computing

It is argued that the success of real-time intelligent computing hinges on reconciling the unpredictability and vigor of the inference process with the real-time requirement that control system responses must be both appropriate and timely. The use of progressive reasoning, which provides a means of relaxing the demands made on the inference process without violating real-time constraints, is considered. It is a technique that successively refines a solution while making available intermediate, albeit suboptimal, solutions. Factors that influence the successful use of progressive reasoning are examined. A small case study involving autonomous vehicle collision detection and avoidance is presented to illustrate the use of progressive reasoning in a typical automation environment.<>