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Subject:
characteristics of software agent systems
Category: Computers Asked by: safari-ga List Price: $4.50 |
Posted:
22 Apr 2002 08:12 PDT
Expires: 29 Apr 2002 08:12 PDT Question ID: 2619 |
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There is no answer at this time. |
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Subject:
Re: characteristics of software agent systems
From: olav-ga on 22 Apr 2002 08:18 PDT |
http://216.239.51.100/search? q=cache:1RB8RLyxzG8C:agents.www.media.mit.edu/people/pattie/CHI97/+software+agen t+system&hl=en |
Subject:
Re: characteristics of software agent systems
From: olav-ga on 22 Apr 2002 08:22 PDT |
Above is the searchterm I used in Google. This is the final link: http://agents.www.media.mit.edu/people/pattie/CHI97/ |
Subject:
Re: characteristics of software agent systems
From: rodolphe-ga on 22 Apr 2002 08:24 PDT |
Software Agent tutorial http://www.acm.org/sigchi/chi97/proceedings/tutorial/mm.htm |
Subject:
Re: characteristics of software agent systems
From: safari-ga on 22 Apr 2002 08:45 PDT |
Thanks for your hints, but using the Maes definition I could e.g. argue that a mail client (say Outlook Express) is an agent system, as it is autonomous (a stand-alone program), has sensors (looks for mail), effectors (fetches mail, notifies me)and does all of that autonomously (I don't need to push a "look for mail" button). While this could even be an agent system, the criteria would also apply to my fridge, that (thank god) autonomously delivers cool drinks and would thus from now on be called my "cooling agent". |
Subject:
Re: characteristics of software agent systems
From: cybergenius64-ga on 22 Apr 2002 10:35 PDT |
I think that software agents must evolve in a some autonomuous mannor, not only by being customized with a script. Further software agents are the top of current programs and here is why I postulate the border is moving: calculator -> spreadsheet -> scenario / report / chart generator or text editor -> word processor -> content processor with your style of writing or basic chess program -> with strong moves library -> with knowledge about your playing style and teacher capabilities or web directory / index -> human researcher -> search agent etc. |
Subject:
Re: characteristics of software agent systems
From: daniel-ga on 22 Apr 2002 13:04 PDT |
From the technical point of view, the term "software agent" seems to be a kind of buzzword that can be used on a lot of different algorithmic concepts. That's probably the reason why you did not find "the answer" yet. To get an idea about the meaning take a look at the word "agent": This is latin and means "a person who is acting". So the direct translation of "software agent" is "software that somehow acts". Not really a clear answer. :) If you take a look at existing technologies that are called "software agents", you'll find basically two concepts: 1. A software that only simulates individual action, but internally works without setting up an individual process to solve a certain problem. Examplare: bidding on auctions at Ebay. On the Ebay servers, there are obviously no millions of user-specific bidding processes. They have a huge database instead and simulate "bidding agents" with that. Another "passive" agent could be an "information agent" in some search engine that sends you mail whenever new pages/articles on a pre-specified topic or search pattern have been found. Such a search engine will not gather pages exclusively for *you*, but will expand the knowledge base accessible for all users and then will use user-specific list to make the agent thing work. Again we do not have millions of user processes, but the individual "agents" are simulated. 2. The second type of software is really active for an individual. In this case, starting an "agent" means that somewhere some new processes (running programs) appear. In this case, the "agent" idea is obvious: The agent is started to solve a specific problem, and when this is done (or the agent failed), somehow a feedback is returned and the (specific) agent ceases to exist. I think the differenciation in these two classes is in effect very similar to your distinction as added in the comments to your original query. The "real" software agents might be seen in category 2, and statistically most of the internet services titulated as "software agents" actually belong to category 1. Personally, I wouldn't take that "software agent" term too seriously. In the New Economy boom this buzzword has been used often to hide real technical features, which were oftenly not really innovative that times. |
Subject:
Re: characteristics of software agent systems
From: safari-ga on 22 Apr 2002 13:05 PDT |
Well, I think such agent system are called "intelligent" or "learning" agents. The question here is: Is the ability to learn or reason necessarily a part of the definition of an agent (web crawlers, which are often used as examples of agent systems, do not exhibit intelligent or learning bevavior)? And - if the characteristics given in my previous reply posting do actually describe an agent system - which degrees of perception, activities, autonomy are necessary to determine an agent system? Or is an agent system simply another term for an encapsulated object oriented system design? |
Subject:
Re: characteristics of software agent systems
From: safari-ga on 22 Apr 2002 13:16 PDT |
Again, thanks for your comments. First, to clarify "the posting order situation", my previous posting refers not to daniel's posting, but to cybergenius64's. Back to daniel's posting, I agree with what you wrote, and it is actually a point that I am trying to find arguments for - or be proven wrong in. |
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