California State University San Bernardino
Department of Computer Science and Engineering

Seminar Talk

Date December 05, 2008 Time 11:00 am - 12:00 noon

Title Exploring Intelligent Problem Solving with Sudoku

Presenter Dr. Kerstin Voigt

Abstract

I will report on my ongoing research into the nature of problem solving
in the context of the very popular puzzle called Sudoku.

Sudoku puzzles can be most appearling to individuals who are interested
in the study of problem solving and the presumed intelligence it takes to 
be successful. Sudoku puzzles, in general, are NP-complete. While some
instances are quite readily solvable, others are judged to be very 
challenging.  Understanding how humans approach the solving of such puzzles
ought to provide insights that could enhance existing problem solving 
paradigms in AI.

I will report on a sequential algorithm that is taken to mimic puzzle 
solving by a human of average skill. I will also talk about my attempt to 
parallelize Sudoku solving. Empirical data for sequential and distributed 
implementations will
be discussed.