This project will extend previous work on a decision theoretic approach for designing satisficing multiagent systems so that it is practical to apply the approach to large-scale, real-world sensor networks. The approach is based on distributed Bayesian networks and decentralized Markov decision processes. In terms of intellectual merit, this research addresses a critical need for formal techniques to support the design of multiagent systems. Approximate, satisficing approaches can reason about the appropriate tradeoffs between information quality and resource usage and, thus, reduce barriers to building large-scale sensor networks, as well as other large-scale multiagent systems. In terms of broader impact, the project could ultimately have a substantial positive societal impact by encouraging the development of sophisticated, large-scale sensor networks. Such large-scale sensor networks have numerous military and civilian applications. They can be used to enhance security and safety, as well as to make computerized systems more autonomous and flexible.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Information and Intelligent Systems (IIS)
Application #
0414711
Program Officer
William Bainbridge
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2005-05-15
Budget End
2009-04-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$375,000
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Amherst
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01003