|
Abstract:
|
This research advances distributed information sharing by equipping nodes (e .g . ,
software agents ) in a distributed network with (1 ) partner selection algorithms in
cooperative environments , and (2 ) strategies for providing and requesting information in
competitive environments . In cooperative environments , information providers are
willing to provide requested information , but information consumers must consider
uncertainty in the quality of provided information when selecting appropriate information
providers . In competitive environments , if a self -interested agent can be an information
consumer and provider at the same time , agents need to determine the best ways to
request and provide information so that the information acquisition utility can be
maximized . This research defines a set of metrics for evaluating information acquisition
utility , and presents a game -theoretic approach for determining the best information
sharing strategies based on stochastic games . The results show how agents build
collaborative relationships with appropriate agents and how the information acquisition
utility is affected by those relationships . |