A schema-based approach to specifying conversation policies

This paper proposes a schema-based specification method for conversation po licies in multi-agent systems. Conversation schemata are modeled through in vestigating conversational interactions among agents to exchange informatio n. Information to be exchanged in a conversation interaction is specified t hrough a set of "conversation topics". Schemata are conversational patterns implementing this information exchanged and detailed by conversation acts. Colored Petri Nets are used as a specification and verification tool for c onversation schemata at the design stage. Examples in agent-based manufactu ring systems are used to illustrate the concepts and method proposed.