Framework for modeling and analysis of distributed problem-solving systems

Petri nets have the basic concepts necessary to model distributed systems with asynchronous processes. Petri nets are not directly applicable to certain kinds of systems like distributed intelligent systems (DISs). These are complex systems where multiple intelligent agents cooperate through communication to achieve the solution to a problem. The paper identifies the limitations of ordinary Petri nets for modeling DISs and proposes extensions. The extended Petri net incorporates colored tokens, inhibition arcs, non-primitive places and transitions, multiple copies of tokens and cumulative places. It is called a distributed problem-solving Petri net. The definitions and analysis techniques are given and illustrated by means of an example.     

Possibilistic Petri nets

This paper presents the possibilistic Petri net model which combines possibility logic with Petri nets with objects. The main feature of this model is to allow one to reason about the aspects of uncertainty and change in dynamic discrete event systems. The paper presents relevant concepts of Petri nets with objects and possibility logic and how imprecision and vagueness are introduced in the marking of a Petri net with objects. The marking of a net is imprecise, or in a more general way, fuzzy, in order to represent an ill-known knowledge about a system state. A new marking updating according to the fuzzy marking such defined is also discussed. An example of shop door monitoring is presented that illustrates our approach.     

Modeling production configuration using nested colored object-oriented Petri-nets with changeable structures

Configuring production processes based on process platforms has been well recognized as an effective means for companies to provide product variety while maintaining mass production efficiency. The production processes of product families involve diverse variations in manufacturing and assembly processes resulted from a large variety of component parts and assemblies. This paper develops a multilevel system of nested colored object-oriented Petri nets with changeable structures to model the configuration of production processes. To capture the semantics associated with production configuration decisions, some unique modeling mechanisms are employed, including colored Petri nets, object-oriented Petri nets, changeable Petri net structures, and net nesting. The modeling formalism comprises resource nets, manufacturing nets, assembly nets and process nets. The paper demonstrates how these net definitions are applied to the specification of production process variants at different levels of abstraction. Also reported is a case study in an electronics company. The system model is further analyzed with focus on conflict prevention and deadlock detection.     

随机时间Petri网综述

随机时间Petri网作为一种灵活有力的建模机制，被广泛应用于计算机和通信系统的性能与可靠性评价。综述了随机时间Petri网各主要予类的发展历程与研究现状。首先介绍了随机时间Petrl网的一些基本概念，然后回顾了广义随机Petri网，简要总结了处理状态空间爆炸问题的主要途径，讨论了非马尔科夫随机Petri网及其分析技术，最后详细分析了流体随机Petri网。     

Petri net models for the semi-automatic construction of large scale biological networks

For the implementation of the virtual cell, the fundamental question is how to model and simulate complex biological networks. During the last 15 years, Petri nets have attracted more and more attention to help to solve this key problem. Regarding the published papers, it seems clear that hybrid functional Petri nets are the adequate method to model complex biological networks. Today, a Petri net model of biological networks is built manually by drawing places, transitions and arcs with mouse events. Therefore, based on relevant molecular database and information systems biological data integration is an essential step in constructing biological networks. In this paper, we will motivate the application of Petri nets for modeling and simulation of biological networks. Furthermore, we will present a type of access to relevant metabolic databases such as KEGG, BRENDA, etc. Based on this integration process, the system supports semi-automatic generation of the correlated hybrid Petri net model. A case study of the cardio-disease related gene-regulated biological network is also presented. MoVisPP is available at .     

Modeling and performance evaluation of supply chains using batch deterministic and stochastic Petri nets

Batch deterministic and stochastic Petri nets are introduced as a tool for modeling and performance evaluation of supply chains. The new model is developed by enhancing deterministic and stochastic Petri nets (DSPNs) with batch places and batch tokens. By incorporating stochastic Petri nets (SPNs) with the batch features, inhibitor arcs, and marking-dependent weights, operational policies of supply chains such as inventory policies can be easily described in the model. Methods for structural and performance analysis of the model are developed by extending existing ones for DSPNs. As applications, an inventory system and an industrial supply chain are modeled and their performances are evaluated analytically and by simulation, respectively, using this BSPN model. The applications demonstrate that our model and associated methods can solve some important supply chain modeling and analysis issues. Note to Practitioners-This paper was motivated by the problem of performance analysis and optimization of supply chains but it also applies to other discrete event systems where materials are processed in finite discrete quantities (batches) and operations are performed in a batch way because of batch inputs and/or in order to take advantages of the economies of scale. Existing Petri net modeling and analysis tools for such systems ignore their batch features, making their modeling complicated. This paper suggests a new model called batch deterministic and stochastic Petri nets (BDSPNs) by enhancing deterministic and stochastic Petri nets with batch places and batch tokens. Methods for structural and performance analysis of the model are developed. We then show how an inventory system and a real-life supply chain can be modeled and their performances can be evaluated analytically and by simulation respectively based on the model. The model and associated analysis methods therefore provide a promising tool for modeling and performance evaluation of supply chains.     

The Algebraic Framework for Object-Oriented Systems

Category Theory is introduced as the mathematical model for object-oriented systems which are distributed, heterogeneous, real-time, embedded, and open-ended. Each object can be represented as an algebra. A collection of algebras with morphisms form a category if they satisfy some conditions. After a brief introduction of categorical concepts which are needed to formulate the framework for object-oriented systems, they are explicated in terms of objects. Then some system design methodologies such as SADT, JSD, MASCOT 3, OOD, HOOD, MOON, ADM 3, and Petri nets are examined in the categorical framework and classified into four groups: functional, process-based, object-oriented, and net-based. Combining theoretical and practical results, the interactive system design tool OBJ-NET is briefly introduced.     

Modeling of reconfigurable manufacturing systems based on colored timed object-oriented Petri nets

To cope with the rapid change in manufacturing market requirements, reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMSs) with the feature of reconfigurability, have to be developed. A model that describes the reconfiguring process of a manufacturing system is developed by applying colored timed object-oriented Petri nets. Based on the main difference between configurations of RMSs and flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs), a modular hierarchical structure of RMS is developed. By the object-oriented method, all the object classes in the RMS model are identified. A macro-place is used to model the aggregation of many processes and a macro-transition is used to link all the related macro-places. Macro-places and macro-transitions are connected with arcs to form a Petri net named a macro-level Petri net so that the control logic of RMS is represented. The macro-level Petri net is refined by hierarchical steps, each step describing these macro-places by more detailed sub macro-places until all the macro-places cannot be divided. Then the characteristics of material flow and time constraints in RMS are modeled by applying colored tokens and associated time-delay attributes. This model integrates object-oriented methods, stepwise refinement ideas and Petri nets together. The RMS activities can be encapsulated and modularized by the proposed method, so that RMS can be easily constructed and investigated by the system developers.     

基于扩展混合Petri网的晶圆制造系统建模

提出了一种扩展的面向对象混合Petri网（EOHPN）的建模方法：针对晶圆制造系统的复杂性，在EOHPN模型中融入了面向对象的抽象机制；为了减少系统建模的复杂性，引入混合Petri网并用面向对象建模技术作了扩展。在定义EOHPN模型的基础上，作了对象模型的拓展。用实例描述了基于EOHPN的晶圆制造系统的建模过程，验证了模型在处理系统建模时的有效性。     

基于面向对象Petri网的工作流建模及性能分析

工作流技术作为一种过程建模和过程管理的核心技术,在计算机应用领域获得了迅速的发展。介绍了工作流技术;提出了将面向对象建模技术融入Petri网模型所形成的面向对象Petri网,并讨论了建立基于面向对象Petri网的工作流模型的步骤;运用面向对象Petri网建立了某制造企业的产品方案处理流程的工作流模型,并运用性能等价公式对工作流模型的性能进行了分析。