On-Line Learning of Coordination Plans

Abstract

Coordination is an essential technique in cooperative distributed problem solving (CDPS). However, sophisticated coordination strategies are not always costeffective in all problem-solving situations. This paper presents a learning method to acquire coordination plans for specific problem-solving situations so that the appropriate type of coordination strategy is used. This learning is accomplished by recording and analyzing traces of inferences after problem solving. The analysis results in identification of situations where inappropriate coordination strategies have caused redundant activities or the lack of timely execution of important activities, thus degrading system performance. The analysis is also used to create situation-specific coordination plans, which use additional non-local information about activities in the networks, that are added to the system to remedy the problem. These situation-specific plans have the effect of introducing different levels of coordin...