Search reduction in hierarchical distributed problem solving

Knoblock and Korf have determined that abstraction can reduce search at a single agent from exponential to linear complexity (Knoblock 1991; Korf 1987). We extend their results by showing how concurrent problem solving among multiple agents using abstraction can further reduce search to logarithmic complexity. We empirically validate our formal analysis by showing that it correctly predicts performance for the Towers of Hanoi problem (which meets all of the assumptions of the analysis). Furthermore, a powerful form of abstraction for large multiagent systems is to group agents into teams, and teams of agents into larger teams, to form an organizational pyramid. We apply our analysis to such an organization of agents and demonstrate the results in a delivery task domain. Our predictions about abstraction's benefits can also be met in this more realistic domain, even though assumptions made in our analysis are violated. Our analytical results thus hold the promise for explaining in general terms many experimental observations made in specific distributed AI systems, and we demonstrate this ability with examples from prior research.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/42828/1/10726_2005_Article_BF01384251.pd

Next Generation Database Management Systems Technology

Database management systems (DBMS) technology is advancing in two directions. The evolutionary or parochial direction raises questions such as: How can DBMS technology meet current new application requirements? What features might it offer users? The revolutionary direction raises questions such as: What requirements will the next generation of computing, applications, and users place on DBMS technology? How can DBMS technology contribute to the next generation of computing? Current requirements pose known but difficult technical challenges as opposed to unknown future requirements which potentially pose greater challenges and will have a larger effect on DBMS technology. This paper considers both directions in speculating on advances in DBMS technology and relates them to current DBMS research, development, and product directions. The paper expresses the opinions of panelists on the above topic as discussed at the First International Conference On Distributed and Object-Oriented Datab..