Formal specification of multi-agent systems: approach based on meta-models and high-level Petri nets - case study of a transportation system

The purpose of this paper is to present a formal approach for specification, analysis and performance evaluation of multi-agent systems (MAS). Such approach is based on the joint uses of the meta-models, based on roles and organization notions, and high-level Petri nets. The combination of the high-level Petri nets and ML language into a Design/CPN tool, allows as to obtain directly executable models for simulation and performance evaluation. All the concepts of this approach are illustrated by a case study concerning the use of the agent's paradigm for the modelling and formal specification of a multi-modal platform associating combined rail-road transportation systems.