Visualization for Structured Constraint Satisfaction Problems

Constraint satisfaction problems are mathematical models of real-world problems. In contrast to randomly generated artificial problems, real-world problems usually have non-random structure. Knowledge about that structure, when identified in advance, can make search to find solutions more effective. This paper introduces DrawCSP, a visualization program that can show both the original and the discovered structure of constraint satisfaction problems. DrawCSP provides insight into both search algorithm design and into the challenges real-world problems present.