A mailbox is a message-storage channel that lets an agent receive information from other agents or external sources. Agents use these messages to update their environments and guide subsequent actions. section 4.1 section 4.2
In a smart-agent system, each problem feature can have its own agent, data structures, and mailbox. Agents exchange messages in cycles, update environments and attributes, and take actions. section 4.1
Mailboxes support distributed coordination by:
- Receiving messages from agents and external sources. section 4.2
- Allowing agents to share information relevant to their goals. section 4.1
- Supporting shared communication within agent clusters when fewer messages are desirable. section 4.1
Feature-agent coordination
A problem is represented through salient features. Each feature agent receives updates in its mailbox, revises its environment, and communicates useful information to other agents until the system can act on the emerging solution. section 4.1
