In this paper we show how multi-theory meta-logic programming techniques can be applied to the realization of multi-agent systems which solve real-world complex problems, in which the integration of heterogeneous software environments could be necessary. We have defined a language named ACLPL (i.e., Agent Constraint Logic Programming Language) implemented in the constraint logic programming language Eclipse and extending standard (constraint) logic programming. ACLPL provides an environment in which the global knowledge is partitioned into theories (i.e., agents) and also primitives for communication among agents, updating of an agent's knowledge base and simulation of the execution of a multi-agent system. Our final aim is to realize a specification tool for multi-agents systems using logic programming techniques as well as software engineering ones. At the moment, the approach we use to obtain an executable specification is simple: we identify the set of agents the application needs and give a high-level informal description of the interactions among agents, then we implement each agent by means of a different logical theory, translating the static specification (given by a transition function describing the behaviour of the agent) into ACLPL. Finally we execute the obtained system, to test the implementation choices. As a demonstration of our approach we present a planner for goods transportation: four kinds of agents, Client, Agency, Distributor and Transporter interact to plan the delivery of goods from a place to another.
- Applying Logic Programming to the Specification of Complex Applications
- MARTELLI M.MASCARDI V.Floriano Luca Zini
- Proceedings Joint Conference on Declarative Programming – APPIA-GULP-PRODE 1997
- Moreno Falaschi; Marisa Navarro; Alberto Policriti
- APPIA-GULP-PRODE'97, Joint Conference on Declarative Programming (Grado, 16/06/1997–19/06/1997)
- n.a.
- (UNIBZ)29955757
991006785885701241 - n.a.
- Faculty of Computer Science
- English
- Conference proceeding
- M. MARTELLI, V. MASCARDI, ZINI F
- Editors/Supervisors: Moreno Falaschi; Marisa Navarro; Alberto Policriti