Conflict Resolution in Intelligent Environments Using Stakeholder Search

Abstract

Stakeholder search is a multi-agent system framework for cooperative/competitive problem solving by agents with local and global (system wide) goals. In an intelligent environment, a stakeholder search instance can be used to provide decision making (conflict resolution), while still providing all the benefits that a multi-agent system brings to the intelligent environment. Stakeholder search can be implemented and run in situations ranging from direct conflict to complete cooperation. In addition, stakeholder search is shown to provide a "leveling of the playing field." That is, when agents or devices in the system have differing levels of resources and abilities, stakeholder search can help mitigate those imbalances, and ensure that all devices have a "fair" degree of influence over the outcome of any conflict or cooperative problem. As a result, the total environment benefits, and not just one aspect of the environment.