J-MADeM, a market-based model for complex decision problems

Abstract

This paper presents J-MADeM, a multi-modal decision making mechanism to provide agents in a Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) with a market-based model for complex decision problems. J-MADeM is now available as an open source library fully integrated into Jason, the successful interpreter for the AgentSpeak programming language. The aim of this work is to improve Jason by incorporating an agent decision-making module able to merge multiple information sources received from the rest of the agents. This information is modeled as a set of utility functions expressing the preferences of the agents for a specific problem. Then, J-MADeM agents use one-round sealed-bid combinatorial auctions as the main procedure to choose among dierent solutions to a decision problem. Thus, coordinated behaviors based on task/object passing can be evaluated to finally obtain acceptable allocations within a synthetic society. J-MADeM is able to simulate dierent kinds