A Schema-Based Approach to Specifying Conversation Policies

This paper proposes a schema-based specification method for conversation policies in multi-agent systems. Conversation schemata are modeled through investigating conversational interactions among agents to exchange information. Information to be exchanged in a conversation interaction is specified through a set of “conversation topics”. Schemata are conversational patterns implementing this information exchanged and detailed by conversation acts. Colored Petri Nets are used as a specification and verification tool for conversation schemata at the design stage. Examples in agent-based manufacturing systems are used to illustrate the concepts and method proposed.