Specifying agent interaction protocols with UML activity diagrams

Abstract

In this paper, we will demonstrate how the Unified Modeling Language (UML) can be used to describe agent interaction protocols. The approach that is presented in this paper does not propose major enhancements or completely new diagrams but instead it relies on existing UML elements that are part of the standard. This conformity with the base UML is a major advantage of the idea as it prevents a diversification of the UML into different potentially incompatible dialects. The practical use of the method is demonstrated in the specification of a realistic agent interaction protocol.