A Framework for Monitoring Agent-Based Normative Systems

TY - CHAP

T1 - A Framework for Monitoring Agent-Based Normative Systems

AU - Modgil, Sanjay

AU - Faci, Noura

AU - Meneguzzi, Felipe

AU - Oren, Nir

AU - Miles, Simon

AU - Luck, Michael

PY - 2009

Y1 - 2009

N2 - The behaviours of autonomous agents may deviate from those deemed to be for the good of the societal systems of which they are a part. Norms have therefore been proposed as a means to regulate agent behaviours in open and dynamic systems, where these norms specify the obliged, permitted and prohibited behaviours of agents. Regulation can effectively be achieved through use of enforcement mechanisms that result in a net loss of utility for an agent in cases where the agent's behaviour fails to comply with the norms. Recognition of compliance is thus crucial for achieving regulation. In this paper we propose a generic architecture for observation of agent behaviours, and recognition of these behaviours as constituting, or counting as, compliance or violation. The architecture deploys monitors that receive inputs from observers, and processes these inputs together with transition network representations of individual norms. In this way, monitors determine the fulfillment or violation status of norms. The paper also describes a proof of concept implementation and deployment of monitors in electronic contracting environments.

AB - The behaviours of autonomous agents may deviate from those deemed to be for the good of the societal systems of which they are a part. Norms have therefore been proposed as a means to regulate agent behaviours in open and dynamic systems, where these norms specify the obliged, permitted and prohibited behaviours of agents. Regulation can effectively be achieved through use of enforcement mechanisms that result in a net loss of utility for an agent in cases where the agent's behaviour fails to comply with the norms. Recognition of compliance is thus crucial for achieving regulation. In this paper we propose a generic architecture for observation of agent behaviours, and recognition of these behaviours as constituting, or counting as, compliance or violation. The architecture deploys monitors that receive inputs from observers, and processes these inputs together with transition network representations of individual norms. In this way, monitors determine the fulfillment or violation status of norms. The paper also describes a proof of concept implementation and deployment of monitors in electronic contracting environments.

M3 - Conference paper

SN - 9780981738161

SP - 153

EP - 160

BT - AAMAS '09

PB - International Foundation for Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems

CY - Richland, SC

T2 - Eighth International Joint Conference on Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems

Y2 - 1 January 2009

ER -