multiagent systems(MAS)

Simon Lynch s.c.lynch@tees.ac.uk

software architectures

SpeechRecognition

LanguageEngine Pragmatic

Integration

DialogManager

ExpertSystem

SpeechSynthesis

W orkingKn Base

LTMKn Base

LanguageGeneration

GUIModels

Visualiser

W igitInput

synchronisation

synchronisation

•distributed•mixed language•concurrent

MMD for multiple users

DialogManager

ExpertSystem

W orkingKn Base

LTMKn Base

S peechRecognitio

n

LanguageE ngine

P ragm aticIntegration

S peechS ynthes is

LanguageGeneration

GUIM odels

V isualiser

W ig itInput

S peechRecognitio

n

LanguageE ngine

P ragm aticIntegration

S peechS ynthes is

LanguageGeneration

GUIM odels

V isualiser

W ig itInput

•dynamic structure

agents – why?

MultiAgent Systems...

• advanced s/w architecturesdynamic, distributeddecentralised controlsocial, goal-based

• mobility, platform independence• design-time autonomy• reuse

agents – why else?

MultiAgent Systems...

• modelling physiological & biological systems

• modelling social systems

agents also simplify...• concurrency• interfacing s/w units

types of agency

• small scale eg: Netlogoautonomous but limited communication

• generic eg: Jade, Boris (.NET?)communicative & distributed

• BDI eg: 2APL, Goal, Jasonintentional (have plans & goals)

lecture series

• brief look at modelling (Netlogo)• brief look at BDI (2APL)• using Boris to build Java MAS• agent-agent dialog sessions• timers• how to build a Boris

agents – what?

• independent software(?) entities– send & receive messages

like objects but...– distributed– autonomous at design & execution– have their own process thread– tighter encapsulation & interfaces– task oriented

agents – what types?

various types...• web based, brokered• small & mobile• larger scale / intelligent...etc...

Virtual Networks

normally, agents are distributed across• multiple VMs• multi-language VMs• multiple machines

Boris uses network concept based on...• Portals• Routers

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