Logic-based automated multi-issue bilateral negotiation in peer-to-peer e-marketplaces

Abstract. We present a novel logic-based framework to automate multi-issue bilateral negotiation in e-commerce settings. The approach exploits logic as communication language among agents, and optimization techniques in order to find Pareto-efficient agreements. We introduce P(N), a propositional logic extended with concrete domains, which allows one to model relations among issues (both numerical and non-numerical ones) via logical entailment, differently from wellknown approaches that describe issues as uncorrelated. Through P(N) it is possible to represent buyer's request, seller's supply and their respective preferences as formulas endowed with a formal semantics, e.g., "if I spend more than 30000 e for a sedan then I want more than a two-years warranty and a GPS system included". We mix logic and utility theory in order to express preferences in a qualitative and quantitative way. We illustrate the theoretical framework, the logical language, the one-shot negot...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2008
• Where: AAMAS
• Authors: Azzurra Ragone, Tommaso Di Noia, Eugenio Di Sciascio, Francesco M. Donini
• Keywords: AAMAS 2008, Approach Exploits Logic, Intelligent Agents, Logical Entailment, Multi-issue Bilateral Negotiation