π-net ADL: An architecture description language for multi-agent systems

Abstract

Multi-agent systems (MAS) are studied from the point of view of software architecture. As the existing architecture description languages (ADLs) are difficult to describe the semantics of MAS, a novel architecture description language for MAS (π-net ADL) rooted in BDI model is proposed, which adopts π-calculus and Object-Oriented Petri nets presented in this paper as a formal basis. π-net ADL stresses the description of dynamic MAS architecture, and it is brought directly into the design phase and served as the high-level design for MAS implementation. π-net ADL can visually and intuitively depict a formal framework from the agent level and society level, and analyze, simulate and validate MAS and interactions among agents. Finally, to illustrate the favorable representation and analysis capability of π-net ADL, an example of multi-agent systems in electronic commerce is provided. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.