MUPLES: an expert system for multipoint circuit layout

A description is given of MUPLES, an integrated expert system tool for multipoint circuit layout. A multipoint circuit is a telecommunication circuit that links more than two stations. The goal of MUPLES is to develop a prototype through combining graph-theoretic algorithms and expert heuristics, thus improving the productivity and quality of the traditional manual design that only considers facility constraints and facility costs. New criteria, such as performance, reliability, and expandability, are also incorporated into MUPLES to produce alternative circuit layouts based on different combinations of constraints and criteria. In addition, a color-graphics interface provides for layout display and for possible user intervention in the design process. Written in OPS/83 and C, MUPLES runs on minicomputers, workstations, and PCs. All versions of MUPLES generate optimal or near-optimal circuit layouts in seconds. It is noted that the approach and implementation of MUPLES can serve as a model in developing telecommunication software through combining various computer techniques (e.g. graph theories, expert systems, graphics, and rapid prototyping)