Distributed computing in sensor networks using multi-agent systems and code morphing

Abstract

We propose and show a parallel and distributed runtime environment for multi-agent systems that provides spatial agent migration ability by employing code morphing. The focus of the application scenario lies on sensor networks and low-power, resource-aware single System-On-Chip designs. An agent approach provides stronger autonomy than a traditional object or remote-procedure-call based approach. Agents can decide for themselves which actions are performed, and they are capable of reacting on the environment and other agents with flexible behaviour. Data processing nodes exchange code rather than data to transfer information. A part of the state of an agent is preserved within its own program code, which also implements the agent's migration functionality. The practicability of the approach is shown using a simple distributed Sobel filter as an example. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.