Debugging Multi-agent Systems Using Design Artifacts:
The Case of Interaction Protocols
Friday, 30th November 2001
0930 - 1100
RMIT University Function Room (near Kaleide Theatre)
Building 8, level 2, RMIT
Swanston Street, Melbourne.
Abstract:
Debugging multi-agent systems (which are concurrent, distributed, and consist of complex components)
is difficult, yet crucial.
We propose that the debugging process can be improved by following an agent oriented design
methdology, and then using the design artifacts in the debugging phase.
We present an example of this scheme which uses interaction protocols to debug agent interaction.
Interaction protocols are specified using AUML and are translated to Petri nets.
The debugger uses the Petri nets to monitor conversations and to provide precise and informative error messages when protocols
aren't correctly followed by the agents.
Biosketch:
David Poutakidis is a PhD student studying at the School
of CS & IT at RMIT. He is working on debugging multi agent
BDI systems.