A Three-Dimensional Abstraction Framework to Compare Multi-Agent System Models

Abstract

Models of agents or multiagent systems in a certain application area can be made at different levels of abstraction. The aim of this paper is to clarify different dimensions of abstraction. The three dimensions of considered are: the process abstraction dimension, the temporal dimension, and the agent cluster dimension. Thus a three-dimensional framework is obtained in which different types of multi-agent system models can be classified. For a number of multiagent system models in different application areas from the literature it is discussed how they fit in the framework.

Specification of Interlevel Relations for Agent Models in Multiple Abstraction Dimensions

“…In the subsequent three sections it will be shown how the general notion of interlevel relation briefly introduced here can be applied for the three different types of abstraction dimensions considered: the process abstraction (extended ontology mapping π π π π*), temporal abstraction (θ θ θ θ*), and agent cluster abstraction (ρ ρ ρ ρ*) dimension. For the process abstraction dimension, agent processes can be conceptualised from an external behavioural perspective (e.g., [4], [27]) or from an internal cognitive or neurological perspective (e.g., [8], [22], [29]). In this section interlevel relations are discussed between for a given example process.…”

“…In this section interlevel relations are discussed between for a given example process. In [8] an instant Internet dating context was used as a toy example to illustrate different abstraction levels. In this example at the behavioural level a person P (with respect to the Internet dating service agent ID) is described as an agent by three behavioural properties BP1 to BP3, respectively, for generating a date request to ID (based on observed dopamine lack), proposing an activity (when a candidate is offered by ID), and performing the date (when ID communicates that the candidate agrees).…”

“…In [8] a three-dimensional abstraction framework was introduced, addressing how a multi-agent model can be positioned in the three-dimensional space defined by the dimensions mentioned. Relations between models at different abstraction levels were not addressed in [8].…”

A Unified Specification Format for Interlevel Relations Between Agent Models in Multiple Abstraction Dimensions

“…In [8] a three-dimensional abstraction framework was introduced, addressing how a multi-agent model can be positioned in the three-dimensional space defined by the dimensions mentioned; see Figure 1. Relations between models at different abstraction levels were not addressed in [8].…”

“…Relations between models at different abstraction levels were not addressed in [8]. The focus of the current paper is to provide a unified specification format for such interlevel relations.…”