Supporting impromptu coordination using automated negotiation

Abstract

We are concerned with forms of interaction in which multiple users, with differing agendas and interests, may realise opportunities for useful synchronisation of their activities. We present a framework in which intelligent software agents act as semi-autonomous intermediaries among nomadic users. Agents capture and process information about situations (specifically about the environment, users and their activities) in order to jointly find and negotiate opportunities for coordinating the activities of their respective users. The interaction is structured using a negotiation protocol that exploits a hierarchical representation of tasks and goals. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.