A communication model for structural design objects. II: Performatives and protocols

In the companion paper, communication channels and medium have been proposed. These communication channels and medium are used here to define object communication protocols based on certain object and agent communication performatives. Specifically, this paper presents a conceptual underpinning for identifying, classifying and defining object communication protocols. Three communication protocols have been identified, namely: (1) the Prescriptive protocol; (2) the Conversational protocol; and (3) the Meditative protocol. Features of each protocol are presented using UML notations. The Meditative protocol, which is based on a Mediator Agent, is adopted due to its versatility and viability. Implementation details of the Mediator Agent are presented. Key communication performatives are defined to execute the steps of the mediative protocol. The performatives and protocols, together with the channels and medium, define the communication model for structural design objects. Examples that show how the defined protocols help in enhancing the design of modular objects and in facilitating the communication of data and information among design objects of the integrated structural engineering system are shown.