Defining interaction protocols using a commitment-based agent communication language

ABSTRACT

We propose a method for the definition of interaction protocols to be used in open multiagent systems. Starting from the assumption that language is the fundamental component of every interaction, we first propose a semantics for Agent Communication Languages based on the notion of social commitment, and then use it to define the meaning of a set of basic communicative acts. Second, we propose a verifiable and application-independent method for the definition of interaction protocols, whose main component is the specification of an interaction diagram specifying which actions may be performed by agents under given conditions. Interaction protocols fully rely on the application-independent meaning of communicative acts. We also propose a set of soundness conditions that can be used to verify whether a protocol is reasonable. Finally, our approach is exemplified by the definition of an interaction protocol for English auctions.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
        I.2.11 Distributed Artificial Intelligence
            Subjects: Languages and structures

Additional Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
        I.2.11 Distributed Artificial Intelligence
            Subjects: Multiagent systems

General Terms:
Design, Languages, Standardization, Theory

Keywords:
agent communication language, auction, commitment, communicative act, interaction protocol, open interaction system