Transaction agent modelling

from experts to concepts to multi-agent systems

Richard Hill

Simon Polovina

Dharmendra Shadija

pp. 247-259

in: Pascal Hitzler, Peter Øhrstrøm (eds), Conceptual structures: inspiration and application, Berlin, Springer, 2006

Abstract

Whilst the Multi-Agent System (MAS) paradigm has the potential to enable complex heterogeneous information systems to be integrated, there is a need to represent and specify the nature of qualitative conceptual transactions in order that they are adequately comprehended by a goal-directed MAS. Using the Transaction Agent Model (TrAM) approach we examine the use of Conceptual Graphs to model an extension to an existing MAS in the community healthcare domain, whereby the existing agent capabilities are augmented with a robust set of behaviours that provide emergency healthcare management. We illustrate how TrAM serves to enrichen the requirements gathering process, whilst also supporting the definition and realisation of quantitative measures for the management of qualitative transactions.