Distributed Quiescence Detection in Multiagent Negotiation

In a distributed multiagent negotiation involving multiple issues, it is often desirable to finalize dealsonly whenall related issues are resolved. Wepresent a quiescence detection protocol based on the DijkstraScholten algorithm for distributed termination detection. Theprotocol operates as a layer on top of an underlying mediatednegotiation protocol. If agents conform to the detection protocol, the detection process terminates iff the negotiation is quiescent. Wediscuss agent incentives to deviate fromthe protocol, and describe extensions that enforce adherencewith respect to the mostsignificant potential deviations.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2000
• Where: ICMAS
• Authors: Michael P. Wellman, William E. Walsh
• Keywords: Detection Process Terminates, Detection Protocol, ICMAS 2000, Intelligent Agents, Quiescence Detection Protocol