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Conceptual Modelling of Multi-Agent Systems proposes the methodology and engineering environment CoMoMAS for the development of multi-agent systems. CoMoMAS is among the most elaborated and most often cited multi-agent development approaches available in the field. Its originality is to address the issue of the development of multi-agent systems (MAS) from a knowledge engineering perspective, which means that agents are seen as interacting entities having different kinds of knowledge, which is to be identified during development. Knowledge has played an important role for MAS development in the past, but CoMoMAS makes a step further in proposing a complete set of conceptual models and a solid methodology to guide the overall development process of a MAS-from design to validation.
Conceptual Modelling of Multi-Agent Systems is an excellent reference for both researchers and practitioners in the broad area of distributed systems development. This book is of particular value from the point of view of computer science, including knowledge engineering, artificial intelligence, agent and multi-agent technology, and software engineering.

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Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. State of the Art: Agent Models and Architectures. 3. State of the Art: Knowledge Acquisition and modelling. 4. The Comomas Methodology. 5. The Comomas Agent Engineering Toolkit. 6. The Comomas Agent Validation Testbed. 7. A Case Study. 8. Conclusion and Perspective. Appendices. Index.

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