Modeling of cooperative Human-Machine-Human Systems based on Game Theory

Computer supported cooperative work requires a detailed understanding of the underlying working tasks and their internal relations. A specific kind of this work related knowledge can be used supporting the interactions between the interacting partners, like human operators. In addition to the working tasks, the `knowledge behind and the rules of interaction´ between the cooperating units has to be formalized to be used for support. This contribution describes a new game-theoretical approach used for modeling the goal-oriented interaction and cooperation of human operators. The introduced approach is based on a suitable formalization using Situation-Operator-Modeling (SOM) as a modeling technique formalizing the interaction of systems. The approach is illustrated with examples detailing different aspects: i) semi-automated molding processes (guided human-machine-interaction), ii) air traffic management (multi-human-machine-interaction), iii) as illustrative conceptional example cooperative realization of documents (multi-human-machine-interaction). As a result it can be stated that the game-theoretic approach allows a new and specific view for the modeling of the interactions between the cooperating units. The game-theoretical view to the SOM-based structured interaction gives a suitable perspective to the strategies of possibly processible action spaces. Therefore technical understanding of human intentions and also realization of goal-oriented computer supported assistance functions can be achieved.