@Article{davis83a,
  author =	 {Randall Davis and Reid G. Smith},
  title =	 {Negotiation as a Metaphor for Distributed Problem
                  Solving},
  googleid = 	 {go50Fli8LTwJ:scholar.google.com/},
  journal =	 {Artificial Intelligence},
  year =	 1983,
  volume =	 20,
  pages =	 {63--109},
  abstract =	 {We describe the concept of distributed problem
                  solving and define it as the cooperative solution of
                  problems by a decentralized and loosely coupled
                  collection of problem solvers. This approach to
                  problem solving offers the promise of increased
                  performance and provides a useful medium for
                  exploring and developing new problem- solving
                  techniques. We present a framework called the
                  contract net that specifies communication and
                  control in a distributed problem solver. Task
                  distribution is viewed as an interactive process, a
                  discussion carried on between a node with a task to
                  be executed and a group of nodes that may be able to
                  execute the task. We describe the kinds of
                  information that must be passed between nodes during
                  the discussion in order to obtain effective
                  problem-solving behavior. This discussion is the
                  origin of the negotiation metaphor: Task
                  distribution is viewed as a form of contract
                  negotiation. We emphasize that protocols for
                  distributed problem solving should help determine
                  the content of the information transmitted, rather
                  than simply provide a means of sending bits from one
                  node to another. The use of the contract net
                  framework is demonstrated in the solution of a
                  simulated problem in area surveillance, of the sort
                  encountered in ship or air traffic control. We
                  discuss the mode of operation of a distributed
                  sensing system, a network of nodes extending
                  throughout a relatively large geographic area, whose
                  primary aim is the formation of a dynamic map of
                  traffic in the area. From the results of this
                  preliminary study we abstract features of the
                  framework applicable to problem solving in general,
                  examining in particular transfer of
                  control. Comparisons with PLANNER, CONNIVER,
                  HEARSAY-II, and PUP6 are used to demonstrate that
                  negotiion--the two-way transfer of information--is a
                  natural extension to the transfer of control
                  mechanisms used in earlier problem-solving systems.},
  keywords =     {multiagent planning negotiation classic},
  url = 	 {http://jmvidal.cse.sc.edu/library/davis83a.pdf},
  comment = 	 {IFMAS influential paper award.},
  cluster = 	 {4336329102747537026}
}