Traffic control assistance in connection nodes: multi-agent applications in urban transport systems

We propose a model for a transport system based on a hierarchical multi-agent system (HMAS). This model can be used in order to design a decision support system (DSS) to facilitate the work of the regulator by proposing various regulation actions in every connection node (SARC: Systeme d'Aide a la Regulation des Correspondances). An optimal organization of the connections is suggested in normal or disturbed conditions, to avoid loss of time for the passengers. Our model includes a supervisor agent (interface), a connection agent (decision) for each connection node and an acquisition agent (perception) for each regulation station. In our research, we have used multi-agent systems (MAS) which adapt themselves perfectly to the distributed systems as in the urban transport networks.