Zooming Multi-Agent Systems

Abstract Complex systems call for a hierarchical description. Analogously, the engineering of non-trivial MASs (multiagent systems) requires principles and mechanisms for a multi-layered description, which could by MAS designers to provide different level of abstractions over MASs. In this paper, we first advocate the need for zooming mechanisms, promoting a coherent and consistent multi-layered view of agent systems. After surveying the best-known AOSE methodologies, we focus on the scaling mechanisms of the OPM process-oriented methodology. Then, by adopting SODA as our reference, we show how an AOSE methodology can be enhanced with simple yet expressive zooming mechanisms. Finally, we present a simple case study where the enhanced agent-oriented methodology (SODA+zoom) is exploited and put to the test. 1 Zooming as a Principle in the Design of MASs As advocated in [1], MASs (multiagent systems), once developed up to their full potential, can be generally seen as representing a cla...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2005
• Where: AOSE
• Authors: Ambra Molesini, Andrea Omicini, Alessandro Ricci, Enrico Denti
• Keywords: Abstract Complex Systems, AOSE 2005, Complex Systems, Multiagent Systems