Multi-Agent System Engineering: A Methodology and Software Abstractions for Designing Agent Based Systems

摘要

Agent oriented (AO) paradigm is an extension of object oriented (OO) paradigm. AO presents a new way of modelling complex problem using OO abstractions and their extensions. There exist a number of methodologies in research literature to model complex multi-agent systems (MAS) operating in heterogeneous and dynamic environments. The main focus of these methodologies is on domains in which multi-agent systems are used. These methodologies lack the necessary abstractions to guide modelling, designing and implementation processes of MAS in a unified and effective manner. The AO term has been exploited to develop several types of complex applications in ad-hoc fashion using different definitions of agent paradigm, exploiting existing methods and existing languages. In this paper we identify the need for agent-oriented methodology and propose the use of software abstractions to produce the various aspects of development of an agent-oriented methodology.