A Control Framework for Model Continuity in JADE

Abstract

This paper proposes a control framework for modelling and executing parallel/distributed multi-agent systems. The goal is to clearly separate agent behaviours (the application layer) from crosscutting control concerns (the control layer) which in general are orthogonal to a specific application and transparently affect and regulate its evolution. Different control strategies, ranging from pure concurrent to time sensitive (real-time or simulation) can be considered and applied as a plug-in to a multi-agent system. In this work the control framework is tailored to the JADE agent infrastructure, using a minimal actor computational model. JADE was chosen because it is widely used and open source, it adheres to FIPA communication standards which in turn favour application interoperability, it is based on Java. JADE, however, lacks of any built-in solution for developing time sensitive applications. This paper describes the proposed control framework in JADE and focusses on the achievement of control strategies compliant with agent mobility and resource availability. All of this favours model continuity, i.e. a seamless transformation from model analysis by simulation to model implementation and real time execution. A case study concerning a closed queue network is used for demonstrating the practical aspects of the approach. Finally, an indication of on-going and future work is provided in the conclusions.