Dynamic Multi-agent Architecture Using Conversational Role Delegation

Abstract

This paper discusses the notions of dynamic composition and dynamic architectures, in the context of conversational multi-agents systems, as well as distributed component oriented or object based systems. The directory service or facilitator agent paradigm, commonly used for building architectures exhibiting these properties, is examined and discussed. It is then compared with a proposed alternative paradigm, based on dynamic conversational role delegation. It is shown that the directory service paradigm, among other weaknesses, exposes the system to synchronization problems when complex protocols are used or concurrent access to the directory are involved, and is not transparent. The role delegation paradigm, on the other hand, presents significant advantages, including a better synchronization with ongoing conversations, and allows transparent encapsulation of the compositional behavior. A working prototype, focused on electronic auction and on-the-fly protocol adaptation, through adaptation proxies, is presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach.