Coordinated interfaces for real-time decision making in hierarchical structures

In this paper, we consider the cooperative problem solving in hierarchical structures. Generally a large scale real-time system such as a power plant has a hierarchical structure, and a problem is divided into small sub-problems. Each member seems to carry out their own task respectively, but finally the individual solutions are integrated to one solution as a whole. Because each member decides one's operation after taking into consideration of the current situation and the other's intention. We think the situation, the intention and the gap between them are important for decision making, and propose interfaces to coordinate real-time problem solving.