Towards a DSML for semantic web enabled multi-agent systems

Abstract

Software agents are considered as autonomous software components which are capable of acting to meet its design objectives. To perform their tasks and interact with each other, agents constitute systems called Multi-agent systems (MAS). Although agent researchers have a great effort in MAS metamodeling and model-driven MAS development, a significant deficiency exists in current studies when we consider providing a complete Domain Specific Modeling Language (DSML) for MASs. We believe that a DSML increases the descriptive power of a MAS metamodel, defines the system semantics and hence supports a more fruitful methodology for the development of MASs especially working on the new challenging environments such as the Semantic Web. In this paper, we introduce a new DSML for MASs with its abstract syntax, the textual concrete syntax and the interpreter mechanism. The practical use of the DSML is illustrated with a case study which considers the modeling of a multi-agent based e-barter system.

The GMF-based syntax tool of a DSML for the semantic web enabled multi-agent systems

“…Modelling environment is shown on the left side (1). Palette is available with icons on the right side (2).…”

“…In order to illustrate the use of the introduced tool, we consider the modelling of a simple multi-agent based e-barter system which provides an alternative commerce approach where customers meet at a marketplace in order to exchange their goods or services without currency [1]. In this application, Customer agents are responsible for adding and evaluating barter proposals.…”

“…In [1], we discuss how domain specific engineering can provide easy and rapid construction of Semantic Web enabled MASs and introduce SEA_ML. Similar to other DSMLs; SEA_ML should provide complete definitions for its abstract syntax, concrete syntax and formal semantics.…”

Model Driven Development of Semantic Web Enabled Multi-Agent Systems

“…Current metamodel is composed of a core model discussed in Ref. 22 FIPA Modeling TC's Agent Class Superstructure Metamodel (ACSM) has a specification which is based on -and extends -UML superstructure. It proposes a metamodel which defines the user-level constructs required to model agents, agent roles and agent groups.…”

A Domain Specific Metamodel for Semantic Web Enabled Multi-Agent Systems

“…In [4], we discuss how domain specific engineering can provide easy and rapid construction of Semantic Web enabled MASs and introduce a preliminary domain specific modeling language (DSML), called Semantic web Enabled Agent Modeling Language (SEA_ML), for model driven development of such agent systems. As a domain specific language (DSL), SEA_ML should provide complete definitions for its abstract syntax, concrete syntax and formal semantics.…”