Pattern-Oriented Design for Multi-Agent System : A Process Framework

Agent design patterns represent solutions to the specific problem of developing multi-agent based applications that have evolved over time. They leverage the reuse level to the design phase by providing a common vocabulary of design, means of understanding designs and proven building blocks from which more complex applications are built. Much of the research work on agent design patterns has primarily focused on discovering and documenting patterns. To reap the benefits of deploying these proven design solutions, a systematic process to construct agent applications using patterns is needed. This paper discusses a process framework to design pattern-oriented multi-agent applications. This paper will show how the framework could be applied in the existing agent analysis and design methodology, MaSE methodology. The discussion is illustrated by a case study of building a framework for water treatment plant report management system.