Discrete-Event Coordination Design for Distributed Agents

— This paper presents new results on the formal design of distributed coordinating agents in a discrete-event framework. In this framework, agents are modeled to be individually equipped with a coordination module, through which they interact and communicate. In terms of existing controltheoretic concepts, we first define the concept of a coordinable language and show that it is the necessary and sufficient existence condition of coordination modules for distributed agents to achieve conformance to a pre-specified inter-agent constraint language. Following, we present a synthesis algorithm to compute near-optimal coordination modules. An example is provided to illustrate the design synthesis using the proposed algorithm. Finally, a discussion with related work distinguishes our coordination design problem from related problems in the literature. Note to Practitioners— Multiagent coordination presents a key approach to developing complex systems. In this approach, the basic idea...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2012
• Where: TASE
• Authors: Manh Tung Pham, Kiam Tian Seow
• Keywords: Constraint Language, Coordination Module, Software Engineering, Synthesis Algorithm, TASE 2012