Modeling complex multi-issue negotiations using utility graphs

Abstract

This paper presents an agent strategy for complex bilateral negotiations over many issues with inter-dependent valuations. We use ideas inspired by graph theory and probabilistic influence networks to derive efficient heuristics for negotiations about multiple issues. Experimental results show - under relatively weak assumptions with respect to the structure of the utility functions - that the developed approach leads to Pareto-efficient outcomes. Moreover, Pareto-efficiency can be reached with few negotiation steps, because we explicitly model and utilize the underlying graphical structure of complex utility functions. Consequently, our approach is applicable to domains where reaching an efficient outcome in a limited amount of time is important. Furthermore, unlike other solutions for high-dimensional negotiations, the proposed approach does not require a mediator. Copyright 2005 ACM.