An architectural framework for CKBS applications

This paper presents an architectural framework for cooperating knowledge based systems (CKBSs) with parallels drawn from the multiagent systems of DAI. A CKBS is distinguished from a multiagent system by its need to provide a workable approach for real-world distributed applications. The framework proposed considers only interagent activities in what is called transaction-oriented processing. The framework, based largely on well-tested computer science concepts, provides for a multilayered edifice with information transparency, and a multilevel schema to suit different user expertise. It permits dynamic definition of cooperation strategies for different tasks as required, in a high-level language providing relative ease of use. A particular novelty is the interpretation of actions as side-effects of update operations on action tuples transmitted among agents via what are called shadows. This provides the generality needed. Effectiveness, flexibility, and ease of use are some of the key considerations