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Using the π-Calculus to Model Multiagent Systems

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Formal Approaches to Agent-Based Systems (FAABS 2000)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNAI,volume 1871))

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Abstract

We present a formal framework that uses the π-calculus for modeling multiagent systems. A process algebra in general is a term algebra used as an abstract programming language that stresses the composition of processes by a small set of process operators. The π-calculus in particular allows one to express systems of processes that have changing communication structure. We explicate the agent abstraction as a π-calculus process that persists through communication actions. Our principal task here is to show how the π-calculus can be used to model certain aspects that have already been specified for a major multiagent system. We also sketch how a π-calculus framework supports development activities in this context, and we suggest how various general aspects of multiagent systems may be modeled in this framework.

This research was supported by grant NAG 5-4102, ”Formal Foundations of Agents,” from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Special thanks are due to the Goddard personnel, especially Walt Truszkowski.

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Author information

Author notes

  1. Toinette Rorie

    Present address: Lucent Technologies, 200 Lucent Lane, Cary, NC, 27411

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Computer Science/NASA ACE, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC

    Albert C. Esterline & Toinette Rorie

Authors
  1. Albert C. Esterline
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  2. Toinette Rorie
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, 20771, USA

    James L. Rash , Walt Truszkowski  & Michael G. Hinchey ,  & 

  2. Science Applications International Corporation, 4001 Fairfax Drive, Suite 300, Airlington, VA, 22203, USA

    Christopher A. Rouff

  3. Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C., USA

    Diana Gordon

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© 2001 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Esterline, A.C., Rorie, T. (2001). Using the π-Calculus to Model Multiagent Systems. In: Rash, J.L., Truszkowski, W., Hinchey, M.G., Rouff, C.A., Gordon, D. (eds) Formal Approaches to Agent-Based Systems. FAABS 2000. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 1871. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-45484-5_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-45484-5_14

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-42716-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-45484-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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