Engineering MAS – A Device Integration Framework for Smart Home Environments

Issue title: Concurrency Specification and Programming 2013 (CS&P'13)

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Betts, Jack | Müller, Berndt

Affiliations: University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, United Kingdom. jack.betts@southwales.ac.uk; bertie.muller@southwales.ac.uk

Note: [] Address for correspondence: University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, United Kingdom

Abstract: We introduce a layered approach to multi-agent programming and motivate this with a perspective to smart home environments. Apart from the core layer, layer components can be updated at runtime to reflect, e.g., attributes like credibility and the addition of proprietary functionality. The Layered Agent Framework (LAF) is defined by interfaces and organised into layers. This approach minimises system fragmentation while allowing developers to create and maintain meaningful and effective agents. A Petri net model is provided to visualise and execute prototypes of the agents. Although fully functional, the Petri nets will later be translated into dedicated programs with a smaller footprint and more efficient execution.

Keywords: Multi-Agent Systems, Home Automation, Smart Home, Layered Architecture

DOI: 10.3233/FI-2014-1127

Journal: Fundamenta Informaticae, vol. 135, no. 4, pp. 341-353, 2014