A Framework for Dynamic Information Flow in Mixed-Initiative Human/Agent Organizations

摘要

We are interested in developing models of and support for mixed-initiative human control of software agent teams, especially in the larger context of dynamic, real world organizations. In this paper, we describe a model for the establishment of cooperative information sharing among agents on teams formed dynamically for particular purposes within such organizations. We argue that effective information sharing in the presence of such teams requires the active dissemination of descriptions of current and future information needs to both local teammates and to the larger organization. Only by this mechanism can one avoid having to make explicit at design time who will provide each bit of the information. We consider how information sharing within the organization can be promoted not only for the immediate goals shared by a tightly coordinated team, but some of the likely information needs of the larger organization going forward. We illustrate the model by describing its application to a large-scale agent-based simulation of the US Military's disaster relief response to the devastation caused in Central America by Hurricane Mitch in 1998. The demonstration was developed in conjunction with a large group of researchers representing eight different institutions.