Visualizing the network of software agents for verification of multiagent systems

Abstract

The verification of Multiagent Systems (MAS) and Distributed Software Systems (DSS) has taken a special attention due to the growing demand of having DSS in recent years. The distributed functionality and lack of having a central control in MAS and DSS may cause to emerge new behaviors in the execution time. This unexpected behavior which was not seen in the requirements is known as emergent behavior and may cause irreparable damages. Detection of these emergent behaviors is more valuable and cost effective in the early phases compared to detecting them after the deployment. In this paper we propose a new technique for the detection of a specific type of emergent behavior in the design phase. We take the advantage of social network visualization in this method. The novelty and direct advantage of this technique is presenting the exact point and cause of emergent behavior.