Utility-based Decision-making in Distributed Systems Modelling

TL;DR

This paper introduces a calculus for modeling decision-making in multi-agent systems using utility functions and a modal logic, enabling the formal definition of trust domains within such systems.

Contribution

It presents a novel resource and process calculus with utility-based decision modeling and a context-sensitive modal logic for multi-agent systems.

Findings

Defined a calculus for resource and process modeling

Developed a modal logic for state and context

Applied the framework to define trust domains

Abstract

We consider a calculus of resources and processes as a basis for modelling decision-making in multi-agent systems. The calculus represents the regulation of agents' choices using utility functions that take account of context. Associated with the calculus is a (Hennessy Milner-style) context sensitive modal logic of state. As an application, we show how a notion of `trust domain' can be defined for multi-agent systems.