Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 3
M-agent
Abstract
This chapter offers a more intuitive approach based on the concept of the
M-agent
architecture. In this chapter, the inner structure of the agent is given with an
attempt to keep the balance between a universal approach with its broad application
of the agent, and a more detailed approach which could help to understand the basic
elements of the agent's structure and its action.
3.1 Introduction
The development of computer systems and especially their applications had and still
has influence on the introduction of new notions and concepts in the field of software
development.
In the process of development, the concept of characteristic space was established
in which subsequent cycles of “life” of systems realized in the form of computer
processes (programs, procedures, objects or agents), from their creation to elimina-
tion can be realized.
We can imagine that this program constitutes certain entities, existing (and being
executed /run/) in the computer, or more precisely in the environment of the computer
operating systemwhich showsome similarities between their cycle of “life” and those
of living creatures in the natural environment.
Furthermore, we can imagine that the operation system is a certain environment,
in which different entities, e.g., processes similar to the natural environment operate,
are run, or figuratively speaking “live”.
The environment created in this way enabled the cooperation of remote systems
(and agents) as well as certain unification of individual environments into one system
comprising—through the network—computers of a given group, with the range from
the local to the global. The environment creates characteristic space and is referred
to as cyberspace.
The development of the cyberspace concept created the need for working out new
elements of software, which can exist and operate in the above—mentioned space, as
well as new models of cooperation between processes (computer systems) operating
in cyberspace (e.g., a client-server model of cooperation).
