MultiAgent Approach to localization Problems: the Case of Multilayered MultiAgent Situated System

The paper describes a multi-agent approach to localization problems through the adoption of the Multilayered Multi-Agent Situated System (MMASS) model. In the context of Multi-Agent System based modelling and distributed problem solving, the MMASS model allows the explicit representation of the environment structure where agents are situated, and provides spatial dependant agent behavior and interaction mechanisms. These aspects are of particular relevance in problems, like localization, in which spatial features are key factors for the problem solving activity and cannot be neglected. In particular, examples of localization problems that will be considered in the paper are: shopping centers localization in extra-urban areas, guide placement in museums, and signs and posters positioning in cities. Moreover, the paper briefly presents the software system that has been developed for the three-dimensional (3D) simulation of virtual worlds inhabited by virtual agents. This tool has been exploited for the 3D representation of the presented MMASS-based models of localization problems. © 2004 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.