Using Conceptual Graphs to Capture Semantics of Agent Communication

Agent communication languages such as KQML and the FIPA ACL serve as metalanguages to define software agent message-passing protocols. These metalanguages are incompatible with each other, preventing intercommunication between agents employing different agent communication languages. The primary hindrance to agent intercommunication is the different underlying semantics of the message passing protocols. Conceptual graphs provide a mechanism to bridge this agent communication barrier by representing the semantics of message-passing protocols in the formal representation of conceptual graphs. Semantic content of the KQML tell performative is contrasted with that of the FIPA ACL inform performative and represented in conceptual graphs. The intent is that software agents conversant in CGIF may intelligently translate messages between agents employing different agent communication languages.