Agent systems reference model

The agent systems reference model (ASRM) is a layered, abstract description for multiagent systems. As such, the reference model

• provides a taxonomy of terms, concepts and definitions to compare agent systems;
• identifies functional elements that are common in agent systems;
• captures data flow and dependencies among the functional elements in agent systems; and
• specifies assumptions and requirements regarding the dependencies among these elements.

The ASRM differentiates itself from technical standards, such as Knowledge Interchange Format, Knowledge Query and Manipulation Language, and those of the Foundation for Intelligent Physical Agents in that it defines the required existence of components of a multiagent system; standards prescribe how they are designed.