DATABASE SUPPORTED COOPERATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING

Abstract

Cooperative problem solving can be viewed as a complex activity requiring harmonious and dynamic interaction between active agents and passive agents. This problem is currently being addressed by the research community at various levels of abstraction. Broadly, this paper analyzes the problem of cooperative problem solving from a database perspective and argues that recent advances in database technology facilitate development of a viable solution to the above problem. Specifically, in this paper, we first analyze the problem of cooperative problem solving to identify its underlying key characteristics. Based upon our analysis, we partition the problem space into classes along a spectrum and indicate the level of cooperation required. We propose near-term as well as long-term solutions for cooperative problem solving that progressively enhances the functionality of database systems by synthesizing appropriate abstractions and techniques. Furthermore, we identify problems, such as agent capability modeling that require further research to address the most general form of cooperative problem solving.