Engineering issues in inter-agent dialogues (original) (raw)

A formal framework for inter-agent dialogues

2001

Abstract We present a logic-based formalism for modeling of dialogues between intelligent and autonomous software agents, building on a theory of abstract dialogue games which we present. The formalism enables representation of complex dialogues as sequences of moves in a combination of dialogue games, and allows dialogues to be embedded inside one another. The formalism can be readily operationalized and its modular nature enables different types of dialogues to be represented.

New types of inter-agent dialogues

2006

Abstract. Much work in the area of argumentation-based dialogues between agents has been based on the influential taxonomy of dialogue types developed by Walton and Krabbe. In this paper we re-examine the Walton and Krabbe framework, concentrating on the preconditions for different types of dialogue and analyzing them in a systematic way. Doing so identifies a number of new kinds of dialogue missing from the framework. We discuss some of the more interesting of these and develop protocols for them.

A computational model for conversation policies for agent communication

2005

Abstract In this paper we propose a formal specification of a persuasion protocol between autonomous agents using an approach based on social commitments and arguments. In order to be flexible, this protocol is defined as a combination of a set of conversation policies. These policies are formalized as a set of dialogue games. The protocol is specified using two types of dialogue games: entry dialogue game and chaining dialogue games. The protocol terminates when exit conditions are satisfied.

Modeling Agents in Dialogue Systems

1997

In order to participate in dialogues, an agent needs the capability of modeling mental states. Specifically, it is necessary to represent the agent attitudes (beliefs, intentions, and objectives), world knowledge, and temporal, reasoning and behavior rules. In this paper, we propose a logic programming framework that allows the representation of agent models. Agents are defined as logic programs that are extended with explicit negation.

Agent dialogue strategy based on priority of goals

7'th International Symposium on Telecommunications (IST'2014), 2014

In multi agent systems, agents interact with each other through a dialogue protocol to inform each other the relevant facts in order to reach the common goals. In a dialogue the protocol defines the possible replies for a presented speech act and the strategy specifies which speech act is premier. The strategy defines how to achieve the agents' goals by choosing the best one among all choices. Compared with researches on dialogue protocol, there are few works on dialogue strategy. We proposed a formal model for dialogue strategy in order to select the best speech act and the proper content. This model in each step of dialogue can decide the appropriate act and content allowed by the dialogue protocol in order to satisfy the agents' goals. This model computes the priority of possible acts and contents using argumentation theory. The proposed model is illustrated through a common example of deliberation dialogue.

The mechanics of some formal inter-agent dialogues

2004

This paper studies argumentation-based dialogues between agents. It takes a previously defined system by which agents can trade arguments and examines in detail what locutions are passed between agents. This makes it possible to identify finer-grained protocols than has been previously possible, exposing the relationships between different kinds of dialogue, and giving a deeper understanding of how such dialogues could be automated.

Cognitive Architecture of an Agent for Human-Agent Dialogues

Communications in Computer and Information Science, 2014

This paper proposes a cognitive architecture of an intelligent agent that can have a dialogue with a human agent on health-related topics. This architecture consists of four main components, namely, the Belief Base, the Dialogue Manager, the Task Manager and the Plan Generator. Each component has sub-components that perform a set of tasks for the purpose to enable the agent to be enrolled in a dialogue. In this paper the particular sub-component of the Dialogue Manager, the Dialogue Strategy has been discussed in detail. A notion of scheme is introduced, which functions as a template with variables that are instantiated each time a state is entered. The agent's dialogue strategy is implemented as a combination of the schemes and the state transitions that the agent makes in response to the human's request. We used a combination of nite-state and agent-based dialogue strategies for dialogue management. This combined dialogue strategy enables a multi-topic dialogue between a human and an agent.

Argumentation Based Modelling of Embedded Agent Dialogues

Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2006

This paper presents a novel approach to modelling embedded agent dialogues. It proposes a specific structure for the supporting information accompanying the arguments that agents exchange during a dialogue, it defines formally how this information relates to the agent theory, and assigns to it semantics that is associated to each of the atomic dialogue types of the Walton-Krabbe typology. This allows the formal definition of necessary and sufficient initiation and acceptance conditions of licit dialectical shifts that are necessary for the modelling of embedded agent dialogues.