Temporal Logics for Representing Agent Communication Protocols

• Published in: Agent Communication II pp. 15 - 29
• Main Author: Endriss, Ulle
• Format: Book Chapter Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin, Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 2006; Springer
• Series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science
• Subjects: Agent Communication; Applied sciences; Artificial intelligence; Computer science; control theory; systems; Computer systems and distributed systems. User interface; Exact sciences and technology; Model Check; Model Check Problem; Multiagent System; Software; Software engineering; Temporal Logic; Context; Transmission protocol; Finite automaton; Logical programming; Temporal logic; Program verification; Propositional logic; Linear logic; Communication process; Multiagent system; Social interaction; Model checking; Artificial intelligence
• ISBN: 3540681426; 9783540681427
• ISSN: 0302-9743; 1611-3349
• DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-68143-4_2

This paper explores the use of temporal logics in the context of communication protocols for multiagent systems. We concentrate on frameworks where protocols are used to specify the conventions of social interaction, rather than making reference to the mental states of agents. Model checking can be used to check the conformance of a given dialogue between agents to a given protocol expressed in a suitable temporal logic. We begin by showing how simple protocols, such as those typically presented as finite automata, can be specified using a fragment of propositional linear temporal logic. The full logic can also express concepts such as future dialogue obligations (or commitments). Finally, we discuss how an extended temporal logic based on ordered trees can be used to specify nested protocols.