Towards an Object Petri Nets Model for Specifying and Validating Distributed Information Systems

Abstract

We present first results towards a tailored conceptual model for advanced distributed information systems regarded as open reactive and distributed systems with large databases and application programs. The proposed model, referred to as CO-Nets, is based on a complete integration of object oriented concepts with some constructions from semantical data modeling into an appropriate variant of algebraic Petri Nets named ECATNets. The CO-Nets behaviour is interpreted into rewriting logic. Particularly, it is shown how CO-Nets promote incremental construction of complex components, regarded as a hierarchy of classes, through simple and multiple inheritance (with redefinition, associated polymorphism and dynamics binding). Each component behaves with respect to an appropriate intra-component evolution pattern that supports intra- as well as inter-object concurrency. On the other hand, we present how such components may be interconnected, through their interfaces, with respect to an inter-component interaction pattern that enhances concurrency and preserves the encapsulated features of each component. Moreover, by interpreting the CO-Nets behaviour into rewriting logic, rapid-prototypes can be generated using rewrite techniques and current implementation of the Maude language particularly. The CO-Nets approach is presented through a simplified Staff management system case study.KeywordsObject StateAbstract Data TypeMultiple InheritanceObject PlaceDistribute Information SystemThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.