An architecture for integrating expert systems

A conflict resolver is developed for mediating disputes arising among competing expert systems (ESs). The conflict resolver constitutes the key component of an overall decision support system designed for controlling a complex system or supporting the decision making of a human operator within the system. When competing ESs make conflicting recommendations for controlling the system, the conflict resolver uses a Delphi-like mediation to achieve a compromise solution. The mathematical framework for the comprehensive conflict resolution system is defined formally, and it is proven that the conflict resolver always reaches a consistent recommendation.