Containing agents : contexts, projections, and agents.

Abstract

Agent-based models have historically maintained a tight coupling between individuals, their behaviors, and the space in which they interact. As a result, many models have been designed in a way that limits their ability to express behaviors and interactions. In this paper, we propose a new approach toward designing simulations that builds upon the experiences of developing and working with several agent-based toolkits. This approach encourages flexibility and reusability of components and models. A preliminary implementation is the core structure of the upcoming Repast Simphony agent-based modeling and simulation toolkit. By creating a 'proto-space' called a Context, we provide model designers with a container that can maintain a localized state for agents. A Context's state can maintain multiple interaction spaces called Projections, as well as more typical state information. Projections are designed such that they can be used to represent a wide range of abstract spaces, from graphs to grids to realistic geographic spaces. Importantly, projections and agents or individuals are independent of one another. Agents can be agnostic toward the type of projection in which they are interacting, and projections can be agnostic toward the type of agents whose relationships they maintain. Finally, the context provides a logical locationmore » to maintain agent behaviors that are dependent on localized agent interactions and environment.« less