N-queens research environment: an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving

Abstract

In this paper we provide a brief review of knowledge integration and explain our environment as a prototype of an interdisciplinary approach to solve problems. Our prototype is built on a Java three-tier architecture with an Oracle database storing a large number of N-Queens solutions. The N-Queens problem is a type of problem that is commonly used for variety of demonstration purposes in many disciplines. For example it is used in computer design, program development methodology, VLSI testing, traffic control, and deadlock prevention, among others. In our research group, we have created a Web-based environment on this problem, which can be used for research and educational purposes. In this paper we report our progress in designing this Web-based system and its implications to the field of education in the 21st century. This paper is also partially based on the masters thesis research of O. Aktunc.