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\section{System Instructions}
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\label{app:system}

\hrule
\vspace{1em}

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\noindent
{\large\bf Guidelines for the ``system'' in the TRAINS world}\vh

\noindent
We are interested in building a computer system that can help people
in simple problem solving tasks.  We are collecting some
conversations, using a person to simulate the ``systemk'', in order to
better understand the task.  You will be playing the role of the
``system'' in these dialogs.

\noindent
You will be assisting a ``human'' user in making plans to manufacture
and / or ship goods between cities.  The user is provided with a
layout map showing several different cities connected by different
rail lines.  The user is told that some cities have warehouses for
storage of goods (either oranges or bananas).  The rail lines are
single track, so two trains cannot simultaneously occupy the same
section of track.  Notice that it takes time to load and unload cargo,
and to make OJ;  also, there are limits to how many cars an engine can
pull.  Refer to the master plan for information about loading times
and load limits.

\noindent
In looking at the map, you will see the following:\vspace*{-.7em}
\begin{quote}
Engines - labeled E1, E2, and E3\\
Boxcars for shipping - as indicated on the map\\
Tanker cars, at Corning, to be used for shipping OJ\\
Two warehouses - one for oranges at Corning, and one for bananas at Avon\\
An OJ Factory at Elmira - where a boxcar of oranges can be converted
into \\ \hspace*{15em}a tanker of OJ\vspace*{-.7em}
\end{quote}
%
As the system, you should maintain reasonably up-to-date information
about the state of the world at any time, and the user can ask the
system questions.  The human user, however, has the final say in what
actions are to be included in the plan.\vh

\noindent
{\large\bf System functions}\vspace*{-.5em}
\begin{enumerate}
\item When requested, provide the user with information that was not
directly given to them at the start of the problem (e.g., how long it
takes to get from Avon to Bath).\vspace*{-.5em}
\item When requested, clarify or explain facts about the TRAINS world
(e.g., orange juice can only be transported in a tanker).\vspace*{-.5em}
\item As the plan is being developed, remember / keep track of where
the objects are.\vspace*{-.5em}
\item When requested, provide the user with a summary of the plan at
that point in the planning.\vspace*{-.5em}
\item As the plan is being developed, compute whether the user's plan
will work and monitor for potential problems.\vspace*{-.5em}
\item If the system detects a problem with the plan, the user should
be told right away (e.g. ``There is a problem because the cargo won't
get there in time'').
\end{enumerate}

\noindent
{\bf To get familar with the domain, try to answer the following
question:}\vh

\noindent
How long will take for engine E3 to pick up a boxcar at Elmira, go to
Corning, load the boxcar with oranges and couple on a tanker car, take
the load back to Elmira, make OJ and load it into the tanker car,
uncouple the boxcar and then take the OJ to Avon?\vh


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\noindent
{\large\bf Interacting with the user}

\noindent
The user may obtain further information and confirm facts about the
TRAINS world, including scheduling information, by asking the system.
Also, the user may use the layout map to help them plan.

\noindent
In general, let the user try to solve the problems with the plan.  In
performing system functions, try to be as helpful as possible without
being ``too smart''.  In other words, avoid volunteering alternative
solutions to the problem unless it seems necessary.  Simple
refinements to the plan for efficiency reasons can be offered (e.g.,
recommending using the same train to carry 2 different cargoes).

\noindent
The system should not be ``too limited'' either.  Try to be as natural
as possible in your interactions with the user.  The system can make
some simple inferences, and the user should not need to be overly or
artificially specific.  In particular, you don't need to oversimplify
your language, just use regular conversational language.  When the
user's intentions are not clear, the system can ask for
clarifications.\vh

\noindent
{\large\bf The TRAINS world problems}

\noindent
The first problem the user will work on is a relatively easy, warmup
problem.  After the warmup problem, the user will be give a set of
cards.  Each card will contain a different problem.  The user will
choose which problem they want to work on.  There are three sets of
cards; each set contains a collection of either easy, medium, or
relatively difficult problems.  At the first session, users will be
given the easy problem set; at subsequent sessions, they will be given
increasing difficult problem sets than at the beginning of the session.
% added `than' to previous sentence in order for it to make sense (pah)
The user has been told that the system will not initially know what
problem the user currently needs to solve.

\noindent
{\large\bf Be sure to quickly write down what goal the user has when you find
out.  It is surprisingly difficult to remember what the goal is
without writing it down.}\vh

\noindent
{\large\bf INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING DIALOGS} \vh \\
%
\hh {\bf To begin the session:} \vh \\ 
\hh {\bf First, we record background information on the tape to identify
it.}  \vh \\
\hh 1) The user first states his or her name, the date and time, sex, and
mother tongue. \vh \\
\hh 2) Then, the system identifies his or her name, sex, and mother
tongue. \vh \\
\hh {\bf There will be a pause, and the user selects a problem card.}
\vh \\
\hh {\bf To solve a problem:} \vh \\
\hh 1) The user says ``Ready'' \vh \\
\hh 2) The tape is turned on \vh \\
\hh 3) The system says ``Hello, can I help you'' \vh \\
\hh 4) The dialog proceeds as long as it needs to  \vh \\
\hh 5) When the user feels the session is complete, the dialog is
completed by the user saying \\ \hspace*{2em} ``I am now finished''

