Abstract
This chapter introduces a reference architecture that provides a methodical framework for the implementation of software agents. The central concept is a layered architecture where each layer offers a well-defined service to the higher layers, and where each of the agent properties of I.1 is unambiguously associated with a single layer. The design method proceeds in three phases: A first phase examines the functional service characteristics in order to determine which responsibilities should be assigned to single agents and which to collections of agents. The second phase structures the individual agent into the layers along the non-functional properties. The third phase augments the layered structure by the interactive capabilities of agents.
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Further Reading
Buschmann, F.; Meunier, R.; Rohnert, H.; Sommerlad, P.; Stal, M.: Pattern-Oriented Software Architecture — A System of Patterns. John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1996.
Müller, J. P.: The design of intelligent agents: a layered approach. Springer-Verlag, Heidelberg, 1996.
Starke, G.: Effective software architectures — a practical guide (in German). Carl Hanser, München, 2002.
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Lockemann, P.C., Nimis, J., Braubach, L., Pokahr, A., Lamersdorf, W. (2006). Architectural Design. In: Kirn, S., Herzog, O., Lockemann, P., Spaniol, O. (eds) Multiagent Engineering. International Handbooks on Information Systems. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-32062-8_21
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