Kevin D. Reilly
Alan Sprague
A. Fannin

Biologically Inspired Simulation: Agent Metaphors and Immune Systems

Proc. Summer Simulation Conference, 2001



Abstract

We first introduce a context of biologically inspired computation, with immunologically based computing as a subset or family member. Immunological details are suppressed until late in the paper with a dual purpose: to break away from the common ``what you should know about immunity" at the start, and at the end, to provide a survey that may promote exploiting the biological base. Four points or planks, operating in current research and setting a tone for the future are presented: agent systems, in practice and theory (with openings to formal logic); viewing the immune system in terms of its subsystems (parts) and as a complex integrated system ("the whole"; an inventory-manufacturing system, implemented in Prolog, as a practical tool as well as a back-door entry to (yet more) logical theorizing; and the final surveying of immunology fundamentals.

Key Words: Immunological computing, agent systems, logic, inventory, manufacturing