Nikolaos I. Spanoudakis

THE GAIA2JADE PROCESS FOR MULTI-AGENT SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT

In this paper we present the Gaia2JADE process concerning how one can implement a multi-agent system with the JADE framework using the Gaia methodology for analysis and design purposes. This process is particularly dedicated to the conversion of Gaia models to JADE code. It is described using the Software Process Engineering Metamodel (SPEM) and extends the one proposed by FIPA for describing the Gaia modeling process. Thus, it proposes to potential MAS developers a process that covers the full software development lifecycle. This work is based on the experience we have acquired by applying this process for implementing a real-word multi-agent system conceived for providing e-services to mobile users. With this paper, we share this experience with future multi-agent systems (MAS) developers, who would like to follow this process, taking into account several technical issues that emerged during the implementation phase, helping them to easily model and implement their systems.

Argumentation-Based Agent Interaction in an Ambient-Intelligence Context

A multiagent system uses argumentation-based interaction in an ambient-intelligence context to provide services for people with different combinations of impairments. This paper focuses on ambient intelligence system of agents for knowledge-based and integrated services for mobility-impaired users integrated projectpsilas (ASK-ITIP) furthered the challenge by aiming to support users having different types and combinations of impairments. ASK-ITIP use of argumentation to model a distributed decision-making process for a coalition of assistant agents, each an expert on a different impairment. When a user suffers from a combination of impairments, these agents engage in an argumentation-based dialogue to agree on the users needs. We found that applying argumentation was natural in this context because, generally speaking, we can abstractly define argumentation as the principled interaction of different, potentially conflicting arguments to obtain a consistent conclusion. Moreover, argumentation-based interaction is combined with a standardized interaction type based on the foundation for intelligent physical agents interaction protocol.

An Agent-Based System for Products Penetration Strategy Selection

This paper describes an agent-based system implementing an original consumer-based methodology for product penetration strategy selection in real-world situations. Agents are simultaneously considered according to two different levels: a functional and a structural level. In the functional level, we have three types of agents: task agents, information agents, and interface agents assuming task fulfillment through cooperation, information gathering tasks, and mediation between users and artificial agents, respectively. In the structural level, we have elementary agents based on a generic reusable architecture and complex agents considered as an agent organization created dynamically in an hierarchical way.

Using ASEME methodology for model-driven agent systems development

This paper shows how an AOSE methodology, the Agent Systems Engineering Methodology (ASEME), uses state of the art technologies from the Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) domain. We present the Agent Modeling Language (AMOLA) metamodels and the model transformation tools that we developed and discuss our choices. Moreover, the way that non-functional requirements are used throughout the software development lifecycle is discussed and presented with two realworld case studies. Finally, we compare ASEME with a set of existing AOSE methodologies.

Providing Advanced, Personalised Infomobility Services Using Agent Technology

This paper describes a real world application, the IMAGE system, proposing e-services for mobile users. We believe that such an application can be interesting for a large public taking into account that current developments in many areas (e.g. mobiles devices, wireless networks industries, GPS, GIS, routing) make possible the proposal of quite complex services for such kind of users. To this end, we precisely present how we integrated electronic services for mobile users (e.g. geo-reference, routing, mapping services) and introduced the personalized service feature, using agent technology in the context of the IST project IMAGE. The overall system architecture and business model are presented along with a particular focus on the Intelligent Module (IM), which is a multi-agent system. The IM is the core component of the IMAGE system. It is composed of several types of agents who realize through interaction, the IM functionalities within the overall IMAGE system.

Engineering Ambient Intelligence Systems Using Agent Technology

This article shows how to model and implement an ambient intelligence (AmI) system using agent technology. The HERA project, undertaken by a consortium with members from academia as well as industry, applied the agent systems engineering methodology (ASEME), an agent-oriented software engineering approach, to develop a real-world system for the ambient assisted living application domain. This article focuses on the software architecture, along with the development method and validation results. The obtained results demonstrate the added value of agent technology use, along with how ASEME can be applied for modeling a real-world ambient intelligence system.

An Ambient Intelligence Application Integrating Agent and Service-Oriented Technologies

This paper presents an agent-based approach into a more general service oriented architecture for addressing the requirements of accessibility content and services in an ambient intelligence context. The developed agent-based information system provides infomobility services for the special requirements of mobility impaired people. Herein, we focus in the task of integrating this multi-agent system in the overall service-oriented architecture. In order to achieve this task we propose a methodology for integrating a FIPA-compliant agent platform with the OSGi service oriented framework.

A novel architecture and process for Ambient Assisted Living - the HERA approach

This paper aims to present a novel architecture for the indoors Ambient Assisted Living domain. This domain synthesizes features from the home-based e-health and ambient intelligence scientific areas. The HERA system addresses mainly the needs of elderly in the early stages of the Alzheimer disease aiming to improve the quality of their home life and extend its duration. Other user categories are elderly suffering from cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The novelty of this architecture is the use of the TV and Set-Top-Box probably already existing in a users home (and the remote control with which the user is familiar) providing services from an application server integrating agent technology-based personal assistance.

Gaia Agents Implementation through Models Transformation

Gaia is a well-known Agent Oriented Software Engineering (AOSE) methodology. The emerging Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) paradigm encourages software modelers to automate the transition of one type of software model to another and eventually the code generation process. Towards this end we define a process for transforming the Gaia roles model liveness formulas to statecharts. This achievement on one hand allows the modeler to work on detailed agent design and permits, on the other hand, to automatically generate an agents code using any one of the statecharts-based tools in the market.

The Agent Modeling Language (AMOLA)

This paper presents the Agent MOdeling LAnguage (AMOLA). This language provides the syntax and semantics for creating models of multi-agent systems covering the analysis and design phases of the software development process. It supports a modular agent design approach and introduces the concepts of intra-and inter-agent control. The first defines the agents lifecycle by coordinating the different modules that implement his capabilities, while the latter defines the protocols that govern the coordination of the society of the agents. The modeling of the intra and inter-agent control is based on statecharts. The analysis phase builds on the concepts of capability and functionality. AMOLA deals with both the individual and societal aspect of the agents. However, in this paper we focus in presenting only the individual agent development process. AMOLA is used by ASEME, a general agent systems development methodology.