A Normative Multiagent Approach to Requirements Engineering

in Postproceedings COIN@AAMAS 2009 (2009)

In this paper we present a new model, called NorMAS-RE, for the requirements analysis of a system. NorMAS-RE is a new model based on the multiagent systems paradigm with the aim to support the ... [more ▼]

In this paper we present a new model, called NorMAS-RE, for the requirements analysis of a system. NorMAS-RE is a new model based on the multiagent systems paradigm with the aim to support the requirements analysis phase of systems design. This model offers a structured approach to requirements analysis, based on conceptual models defined following a visual modeling language, called dependence networks. The main elements of this visual language are the agents with their goals, capabilities and facts, similarly to the TROPOS methodology [10]. The normative component is present both in the ontology and in the conceptual metamodel, associating agents to roles they play inside the systems and a set of goals, capabilities and facts proper of these roles. This improvement allows to define different types of dependence networks, called dynamic dependence networks and conditional dependence networks, representing the different phases of the requirements analysis of the system. This paper presents a requirements analysis model based on normative concepts such as obligation and institution. The NorMAS-RE model is a model of semiformal specification featured by an ontology, a meta-model, a graphical notation and a set of constraints. Our model, moreover, allows the definition of the notion of coalition for the different kinds of network. We present our model using the scenario of virtual organizations based on a Grid network. [less ▲]

Reasoning About Norms, Obligations, Time and Agents

in PRIMA (2007)

Reasoning about norms and time is of central concern to the regulation or control of the behavior of a multiagent system. In this paper we introduce a representation of normative systems that ... [more ▼]

Reasoning about norms and time is of central concern to the regulation or control of the behavior of a multiagent system. In this paper we introduce a representation of normative systems that distinguishes between norms and the detached obligations of agents over time, leading to a simple and therefore practical way to reason about norms, obligations, time and agents. We consider the reasoning tasks to determine whether a norm is redundant in a normative system and whether two normative systems are equivalent. In the former case the redundant norm might be removed. In the latter case one norm might be replaced by the other. It is well known that properties concerning iterated or deontic detachment no longer hold when reasoning with multiple agents or with obligations over time. Yet, earlier approaches to reasoning about norms rarely consider the intricacies of time. We show how norms can be used to define the persistence of obligations of agents over time. We illustrate our approach by discussing three ways to relate norms and obligations of agents over time. Also we show how these three ways can be characterized. [less ▲]