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Conceptual Modeling and Software Design of Multi-agent Systems

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Conceptual Modelling in Information Systems Engineering

Abstract

We present a framework for conceptual modeling, requirements analysis and design of agent-based systems. The framework is rooted in the Belief Desire Intention (BDI) formalism and extends the Unified Modeling Language (UML) to model multi-agent systems. We introduce several modeling constructs including Agent, Belief, Goal, Plan, FIPA Performative, KQML-Performative, and Blackboard. In addition, we introduce Agent Goal Diagram to model the relationships between the goals and the environment of an agent; Use Case Goal Diagram to model the relationships between use cases and goals; Agent Domain Model to facilitate understanding of domain knowledge of an agent; Agent Sequence Diagram to model interactions within an agent. Similarly, Agent Activity Diagram and Agent Statechart Diagram are introduced. We illustrate the framework through an agent-based intelligent elevator system.

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Kung, D., Kavi, K. (2007). Conceptual Modeling and Software Design of Multi-agent Systems. In: Krogstie, J., Opdahl, A.L., Brinkkemper, S. (eds) Conceptual Modelling in Information Systems Engineering. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-72677-7_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-72677-7_10

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