Conceptual framework for formalizing multi-agent systems

Abstract

Many of agent systems concepts are proposed in last decade. Most of them are inspired from the approach or discipline upon which they are based. Some of these concepts are developed based on the approach of extending existing Object Oriented concepts to include the relevant aspects of agents. Others are developed based on agent-based concepts or based on knowledge engineering concepts. The difference between disciplines of knowledge is causing the misunderstanding of some concepts that relate to agent systems, as well as some inconsistencies. In this paper, a conceptual formal framework is constructed to determine the essential MAS concepts and to reduce the possible turmoil and define the relationships among those concepts. The proposed framework is well-structured formal system that was constructed to ensure that the proposed MAS conceptual system is logically coherent and free of contradiction. Z language is used to represent this formal system. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.