14,555 research outputs found
Separating Agent-Functioning and Inter-Agent Coordination by Activated Modules: The DECOMAS Architecture
The embedding of self-organizing inter-agent processes in distributed
software applications enables the decentralized coordination system elements,
solely based on concerted, localized interactions. The separation and
encapsulation of the activities that are conceptually related to the
coordination, is a crucial concern for systematic development practices in
order to prepare the reuse and systematic integration of coordination processes
in software systems. Here, we discuss a programming model that is based on the
externalization of processes prescriptions and their embedding in Multi-Agent
Systems (MAS). One fundamental design concern for a corresponding execution
middleware is the minimal-invasive augmentation of the activities that affect
coordination. This design challenge is approached by the activation of agent
modules. Modules are converted to software elements that reason about and
modify their host agent. We discuss and formalize this extension within the
context of a generic coordination architecture and exemplify the proposed
programming model with the decentralized management of (web) service
infrastructures
Commercial software tools for intelligent autonomous systems
This article identifies some of the commercial software tools that can potentially be examined, or relied upon for their techniques, within new EPSRC projects entitled "Reconfigurable Autonomy" and "Distributed Sensing and Control.." awarded and to be undertaken between Liverpool, Southampton and Surrey Universities in the next 4 years. Although such projects strive to produce new techniques of various kinds, the software reviewed here could also influence, shape and help to integrate the algorithmic outcome of all 16 projects awarded within the EPSRC Autonomous and Intelligent Systems programme early 2012. To avoid mis-representation of technololgies provided by the software producer companies listed, most of this review is based on using quotes from original product descriptions
Dispute Resolution Using Argumentation-Based Mediation
Mediation is a process, in which both parties agree to resolve their dispute
by negotiating over alternative solutions presented by a mediator. In order to
construct such solutions, mediation brings more information and knowledge, and,
if possible, resources to the negotiation table. The contribution of this paper
is the automated mediation machinery which does that. It presents an
argumentation-based mediation approach that extends the logic-based approach to
argumentation-based negotiation involving BDI agents. The paper describes the
mediation algorithm. For comparison it illustrates the method with a case study
used in an earlier work. It demonstrates how the computational mediator can
deal with realistic situations in which the negotiating agents would otherwise
fail due to lack of knowledge and/or resources.Comment: 6 page
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