Control centric framework for model continuity in time‐dependent multi‐agent systems

This work centres on a control framework for general multi‐agent systems, which separates the design of agents behaviours (the application layer) from crosscutting control concerns (the control layer) regulating message exchange and processing. The goal is to support modelling and execution of a multi‐agent system whose evolution is transparently governed by a pluggable control structure. A library of different control structures, including pure‐concurrent and time‐sensitive (real‐time and simulation) strategies, was developed. The paper describes the developed control framework and focusses on the achievement of control strategies compliant with agent mobility and resource availability. The control design rests on a minimal actor computational model extended with actions, which are independent computational tasks able to execute in parallel. The approach enables model continuity, that is, the same model is used from analysis by simulation to implementation and real‐time execution. The framework is prototyped on top of the JADE agent infrastructure. Usability and effectiveness of the resultant approach are demonstrated by a case study based on a complex closed queue network of services. On‐going and future work is finally pointed out in the conclusions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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