A Multi-agent Strategy for Integration of Imprecise Descriptions

Abstract

One of the fundamental challenges of distributed multi-agent systems relates to the problem of knowledge integration – where a collective stance of the distributed system needs to be determined and justified. Assuming a simple multi-agent system we present an intuitive and consistent approach to the integration of imprecise descriptions of individual beliefs about the external world. In particular, focusing our attention to simple modal statements of certainty, i.e., possibility, belief and knowledge, we state rational set of common-sense postulates against the integration results. Further, utilising the Grounding Theory, as the means for appropriate grounding of statements, and incorporating the approach with theory of mind, as the underlying mechanism for interpretation of statements, we introduce a two-stage integration procedure. Finally, we prove the appropriateness of the proposed solution, show its basic properties, and provide a simple computational example.