MultiPDEVS: A Parallel Multicomponent System Specification Formalism

Damien Foures,Bernard P Zeigler,Romain Franceschini,Paul-Antoine Bisgambiglia

doi:10.1155/2018/3751917

Abstract

Based on multiDEVS formalism, we introduce multiPDEVS, a parallel and nonmodular formalism for discrete event system specification. This formalism provides combined advantages of PDEVS and multiDEVS approaches, such as excellent simulation capabilities for simultaneously scheduled events and components able to influence each other using exclusively their state transitions. We next show the soundness of the formalism by giving a construction showing that any multiPDEVS model is equivalent to a PDEVS atomic model. We then present the simulation procedure associated, usually called abstract simulator. As a well-adapted formalism to express cellular automata, we finally propose to compare an implementation of multiPDEVS formalism with a more classical Cell-DEVS implementation through a fire spread application.

Highlights

An important concept of general system theory is that of decomposition, which allows a system to be broken down into smaller subsystems to tackle its complexity, following a top-down approach
It is quite legitimate for the modeler to ask the following question: “When should I, or should I not use this formalism ?” MultiPDEVS can improve the modeling process in a multiformalism context, where modular and nonmodular system specification are used at the same time
Theory of Modeling and Simulation (TMS) provides a DEVS specialization dedicated to nonmodular modeling, named multiDEVS

Summary

Introduction

An important concept of general system theory is that of decomposition, which allows a system to be broken down into smaller subsystems to tackle its complexity, following a top-down approach. The behavior of the model can deviate from the expected one if such collisions are not properly managed [7] This issue prompted Chow and Zeigler to propose PDEVS, which includes entities dedicated to event collision handling, but only for the modular approach. This paper is fully dedicated to the formalism itself, and a simple example to help each knowledge level, from beginner to the expert in DEVS formalisms This formalism is well adapted to problem classes similar to cellular automata [9, 10] and could be used in problems such as circulation management, robot path planning, physical propagation, or crowd modeling.

Related Works

A Parallel Multicomponent

Case Study

Discussion

Conclusion