Interfacing multi-agent models to distributed simulation platforms: The case of PDES-MAS

Abstract

Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) are increasingly used to solve larger and more complex problems. To provide the computational resources needed to do this, MAS are increasingly distributed over multiple computational platforms. Different approaches for distributing MAS have been proposed over the years. One problem remains central whichever approach is used: how to translate MAS behaviour into a format suitable for the distribution approach used. In this paper we describe the Agent Distributed Shared Memory Interface (ADSMI), an interface between a general MAS description and the PDES-MAS platform as an implementation of a Distributed Shared Memory (DSM) system for distributed MAS simulations. The ADSMI provides a translation of MAS behaviour into event-interactions with PDES-MAS, as well as functionality for handling time progressing in the MAS, and a messaging mechanism between agents.

Visual Heritage in the Digital Age

“…Here the project will take advantage of pioneering work undertaken at Birmingham on the distributed simulation of multi-agent systems models. The EPSRC-funded PDES-MAS framework provides multiple agents concurrent access to the shared state of the simulation in a scalable manner by a balanced distribution of state variables around a tree-like network of peer-servers (Craenen and Theodoropoulos 2010a;Craenen et al 2010b;Gaffney and Murgatroyd Forthcoming). This research is built upon the framework for the Doggerland project, and algorithms developed for the partitioning, data distribution and synchronisation appropriate for the simulations utilised in the project.…”