Tricoord+ : a Model for Conflict Resolution in Multiagent Systems

1. Abstract Multiagent systems (MAS) have been used to solve classes of problems for which one has limited expertise to propose a feasible solution. Usually, these problems are intrinsically distributed, very complex and/or involve extensive computations. We are particularly interested in multiagents systems supporting Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), more specifically groupware with a focus on Distributed Engineering Design. One of the problems that is not very much explored in such applications is conflict resolution. This paper presents a Model for Conflict Resolution in Multiagent systems applied to groupware. Our work assumes that there is no general conflict resolution method suitable to any agents ́ interaction situation. However conflicts can be detected and classified according to a set of attributes, and conflict resolution methods can be applied to suggest adequate mapping between conflicts and resolutions. Several works in the literature propose dynamic choice of the most appropriate strategy to solve conflicts taking into consideration: the nature of the conflict, the current organizational laws and preferential solutions. Our proposal, the Tri-Coord+ Model, enhances other works in the literature by adding two novelties: (1) a differentiated approach that takes into account the development of engineering designs, and (2) re-utilization of cases and strategies used in the design. Tri-Coord+ is an extension of Tri-Coord, a model for conflict resolution in multiagent systems based and inspired on Charles de Montesquieu's Three Powers of State.