Colored Petri Net Model Research Articles

An Applying Colored Petri Net for Computerized Accounting System and Ledger Accounts Instruction

Many learners who are not familiar with the accounting terms find blended learning very complex to understand with respect to the computerized accounting system, the journal entries process, and tracing the accounting transaction flows of accounting system. A simulation-based model is a viable option to help instructors and learners make understanding the accounting system components and monitoring the accounting transactions easier. This paper proposes a colored Petri net (CPN)-based model for the instruction of an accounting system focused on the journal entries processes, accounting modules, and accounting transaction flows. The CPN-based language and the model checking tool named CPN are used to represent the accounting system components: a chart of accounts, an account mapping profile, the journal and ledgers system, and the financial report creations. We evaluated the designed CPN models by creating the simulation cases from ground truth data of the retail department store system and the mortgage loan system, using the decision-table-based testing technique. The results show that the designed CPN model and provided simulation cases help the learners to animate, verify, trace back accounting transactions and data flows, and increase the learner’s understanding.

Distributed architecture for a supply chain by integrating a multi- agent approach using simulation

This study proposes an architecture based on multiple agents through a Colored Petri Net model (CPN), which enables the integration of supply chain links and information technology to speed up the production process and services. The methodology was developed based on three fundamental concepts: CPN as design tool, Supply Chain (SC) Architecture and Multi-Agent Systems (MAS). As a case study, a typical supply chain in the Colombian production system was considered. As a case study, a typical supply chain in the Colombian production system was considered. For this, the study developed a modeling procedure to transform its supply chain architecture from a typical structure to a multi-agent structure. This procedure consists of seven phases. Initially, the case study is characterized as a supply chain, then the information is collected, next the limitations of the supply chain are identified, then the variables and their interactions are defined. In the following two phases, three models are developed: the structural model, representing the physical distribution of the plant; the conceptual model, that relates the system components and their interactions; and the functional model, which integrates the previous models and associates them with the behavior of the variables during the process ow. Finally, a qualitative and quantitative validation of the models are performed, simulating different scenarios. The results show that a distributed supply chain structure, using multi-agent architecture, first, offers robust information and physical flows, and secondly, contributes to supply time reduction, communication quickness, efficiency and quality of information for operational decision making. The results could also motivate organizations to integrate the supply chains considering MASs in resource management.

Railway track availability modelling with opportunistic maintenance practice

The geometry of railway track must be maintained within certain standards in order to provide a highly available network, as well as good ride comfort and safety for all rail users. Modelling is well utilised as part of asset management tools in exploring the effectiveness of different rail geometry maintenance strategies. By considering the rail route as an entire system – in contrast to a track section in isolation – a more effective maintenance strategy can be developed, including the deployment of opportunistic maintenance practice. This study presents a Coloured Petri Net model of railway track degradation, inspection, and maintenance planning and delivery, for an entire route of track sections. Opportunistic maintenance is introduced through a novel search transition function, which groups interventions based on local adjacency. Testing explores the availability and maintenance demands expected when following a series of different management strategies. This is extended to testing under heatwave conditions, a known disrupter to track geometry maintenance delivery. Simulation results show that in following an opportunistic strategy, greater availability can be achieved on the modelled rail line. Further, resilience to the heatwave disruptions can be achieved by selecting the correct maintenance strategy parameters. This asset management tool can provide guidance on management strategies for a full route of track sections as a combined system.

Formalizing the Blockchain-Based BlockVoke Protocol for Fast Certificate Revocation Using Colored Petri Nets

Protocol flaws such as the well-known Heartbleed bug, security and privacy issues or incomplete specifications, in general, pose risks to the direct users of a protocol and further stakeholders. Formal methods, such as Colored Petri Nets (CPNs), facilitate the design, development, analysis and verification of new protocols; the detection of flaws; and the mitigation of identified security risks. BlockVoke is a blockchain-based scheme that decentralizes certificate revocations, allows certificate owners and certificate authorities to revoke certificates and rapidly distributes revocation information. CPNs in particular are well-suited to formalize blockchain-based protocols—thus, in this work, we formalize the BlockVoke protocol using CPNs, resulting in a verifiable CPN model and a formal specification of the protocol. We utilize an agent-oriented modeling (AOM) methodology to create goal models and corresponding behavior interface models of BlockVoke. Subsequently, protocols semantics are defined, and the CPN models are derived and implemented using CPN Tools. Moreover, a full state-space analysis of the resulting CPN model is performed to derive relevant model properties of the protocol. The result is a complete and correct formal BlockVoke specification used to guide future implementations and security assessments.

Blockchain-Enabled Access Management System for Edge Computing

In the post-cloud era, edge computing is a new computing paradigm with data processed at the edge of the network, which can process the data close to the end-user in real time and offload the cloud task intelligently. Meanwhile, the decentralization, tamper-proof and anonymity of blockchain technology can provide a new trusted computing environment for edge computing. However, it does raise considerable concerns of security, privacy, fault-tolerance and so on. For example, identity authentication and access control rely on third parties, heterogeneous devices and different vendors in IoT, leading to security and privacy risks, etc. How to combine the advantages of the two has become the highlight of academic research, especially the issue of secure resource management. Comprehensive security and privacy involve all aspects of platform, data, application and access control. In. this paper, the architecture and behavior of an Access Management System (AMS) in a proof of concept (PoC) prototype are proposed with a Color Petri Net (CPN) model. The two domains of blockchain and edge computing are organically connected by interfaces and interactions. The simulation of operation, activity and role association proves the feasibility and effectiveness of the AMS. The instances of platform business access control, data access control, database services, IOT hub service are run on Advantech WISE-PaaS through User Account and Authentication (UAA). Finally, fine-grained and distributed access control can be realized with the help of a blockchain attribute. Namely, smart contracts are used to register, broadcast, and revoke access authorization, as well as to create specific transactions to define access control policies.

Model-based dependability evaluation of a Wireless Communication System in a Virtually Coupled Train Set

A new paradigm based on the concept of virtual coupling of train sets is being elaborated to provide innovative solutions so as to increase efficiency, operational flexibility, line capacity, competitiveness among market players and quality of consumer experience. Train-to-Train (T2T) and Train-to-Ground (T2G) wireless communications will be the backbone for the implementation of the virtual coupling functionalities. In the present paper, we perform a model-based dependability analysis of the wireless communication system under virtual coupling operation. Namely, Stochastic Colored Petri Net (SCPN) models are developed to depict the exchanges of the various information needed under virtual coupling operation. Dependability evaluation is then performed by means of simulation. In particular, the impact of various communication parameters is scrutinized while taking into account different operational scenarios. The obtained results allow the identification of the most impacting aspects on dependability analysis and provide valuable inputs to support the technological choices in terms of communication to implement virtual coupling.

ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ МОДЕЛЕЙ НА СЕТЯХ ПЕТРИ ПРИ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ ТЕХНИЧЕСКОГО ОБСЛУЖИВАНИЯ АВТОНОМНЫХ АГРОТЕХНИЧЕСКИХ ТРАНСПОРТНЫХ СРЕДСТВ

A complex of simulation models was developed to study the processes of repair and maintenance of the system of autonomous agricultural vehicles. The general structure of the diagnostic system for robotic agricultural vehicles was presented. The hierarchical structure of simulation models for a robotic vehicle was described. A temporary colored Petri net model was proposed. The model makes it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of predictive maintenance for a given failure rate of vehicle units and aggregates. A formal description of an autonomous vehicle was developed in the form of the primary parameter multisets. The experimental results of the simulation modelling confirmed the model adequacy. The results are applied to study the work of an autonomous vehicle group in agricultural fields under difficult operating conditions.

Conversion and Verification of Business Processes from a BPMN Model to a Colored Petri Nets Model

Conversion and Verification of Business Processes from a BPMN Model to a Colored Petri Nets Model

Colored Petri Nets Model for Network Based FTI Systems

Network based data acquisition system is a system which allows a data exchange using Ethernet technology. One of the main usage areas of this type of system is Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) applications. There exists some complexity in analysis and synthesis of the entire system. Colored Petri Net (CPN) is a compact modelling method for Discrete Event Systems (DES). A model of a FTI network fabric is considered in this work in order to reduce related complexities. A CPN model for network based FTI system is presented and all states for this model are obtained in this work.

Dimensioning the relationship between availability and data center energy flow metrics

The advancement of technology and the growing number of applications available to network users have increased the demand for services hosted in cloud environments. In 2020, more than 4 billion of people access these services through the Internet, a value 7% higher in comparison to the same period in 2019. To support the demand for such services, an environment that provides such conditions for applications available whenever needed has grown in importance. These environments are generally available from large data centers, which consume large amounts of electricity to provide such demand service capacity. In this context, this work proposes an integrated and dynamic strategy that demonstrates the impact of the availability on the energyconsumption of the devices that compose the data center system architecture. In order to accomplish this, colored Petri net models were proposed for quantifying the cost, environmental impact and availability of the electric energy infrastructure ofdata centers. The models presented in this work are supported by the developed prototype. Two case studies illustrate the applicability of the proposed models and strategy. Significant results were obtained, showing an increase close to 100% in the system availability, with practically the same operational cost and environmental impact.

Non-Invasive Challenge Response Authentication for Voice Transactions with Smart Home Behavior.

Smart speakers, such as Alexa and Google Home, support daily activities in smart home environments. Even though voice commands enable friction-less interactions, existing financial transaction authorization mechanisms hinder usability. A non-invasive authorization by leveraging presence and light sensors’ data is proposed in order to replace invasive procedure through smartphone notification. The Coloured Petri Net model was created for synthetic data generation, and one month data were collected in test bed with real users. Random Forest machine learning models were used for smart home behavior information retrieval. The LSTM prediction model was evaluated while using test bed data, and an open dataset from CASAS. The proposed authorization mechanism is based on Physical Unclonable Function usage as a random number generator seed in a Challenge Response protocol. The simulations indicate that the proposed scheme with specialized autonomous device could halve the total response time for low value financial transactions triggered by voice, from 7.3 to 3.5 s in a non-invasive manner, maintaining authorization security.

Usage of Coloured Petri Nets for the Performance Evaluation of the Metallographic Samples Analysis Automated Systems

This paper presents the results that we attained about modeling and simulation of the metallographic samples preparation and analysis automated systems, made of two subsystems. The first subsystem polishes the samples and assesses the surface state by means of a microscope. In the second subsystem the samples are reagent attacked, washed, dried and analyzed by the electronic microscope. The evaluation of the system performance and the identification of possible bottlenecks was made by means of coloured Petri nets modeling and simulation. The CPN Tools software was used to make the model. Three coloured Petri nets models were developed. The first version assumes the analysis of the system operation by means of coloured Petri nets with simple colours, and such a simple colour was assigned to each entity of the subsystem: samples to be analyzed, robots, storage devices, microscopes etc. For a better observation of the analyzed sample path within the system, the second model version was designed, with complex colours assigned to the marks. The third version considers the time factor. The models with timed coloured Petri nets allow the system performance evaluation considering the number of analyzed samples in a given time interval. This paper presents the first and the third model, as the last one includes the second model.

Transformation from AADL to Colored Petri Nets for Dynamic Reconfiguration Process

Although integrated modular avionics (IMA) provides many advantages such as the reduced weight and higher efficiency for system operations, safety problems in IMA dynamic reconfiguration process come up due to its complexity to analyze. Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL) has advantage to model for embedded systems. However, it is quite limited to employ AADL for analyzing system safety. This paper, seeks to translate the AADL models of IMA dynamic reconfiguration process into colored petri net (CPN), which have advantages to simulate and evaluate embedded systems. Then, the colored petri net (CPN) is proposed for the analysis for AADL models, because CPN can describe the properties and behaviors of dynamic reconfiguration process well. Moreover, it is essential to make a transformation from the AADL models to the CPN models. This work will benefit the subsequent analysis of IMA dynamic reconfiguration process. Finally, a case study is provided for effectiveness the transformation rules.

A Safety Evaluation Method of IMA Dynamic Reconfiguration Process Based on CPN

With the rapid development of integrated modular avionics (IMA), the dynamic reconfiguration of IMA provides great advantages in resource utilization and aircraft configuration and acts as a valid means for resource failure management. Due to the complexity of dynamic reconfiguration process, it is difficult to analyze and evaluate the safety of dynamic reconfiguration process. The Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL) is effective in modeling such process of the embedded real-time system. Colored Petri Net (CPN) has advantages of simulation and evaluation. Therefore, this paper model the IMA dynamic reconfiguration process based on AADL, and transfer it to CPN model to analyze and evaluate the safety of the process of dynamic reconfiguration. Finally, a case study is provided to indicate the effectiveness of the method.

On Modeling and Simulation of Resource Allocation Policies in Cloud Computing Using Colored Petri Nets

The Petri net (PN) formalism is a suitable tool for modeling parallel systems due to its basic characteristics, such as synchronization. The extension of PN, the Colored Petri Nets (CPN) allows the incorporation of more details of the real system into the model (for example, contention for shared resources). The CPNs have been widely used in a variety of fields to produce suitable models. One of their biggest strengths is that their overall philosophy is quite similar to the philosophy of the object-oriented paradigm. In this regard, the CPN models can be used to implement simulators in a rather straightforward way. In this paper, the CPN framework is employed to implement a new resource allocation simulator, which is used to verify the performance of our previous work, where we proposed a fair resource allocation scheme with flow control and maximum utilization of the system’s resources.

Functional safety verification of train control procedure in train-centric CBTC by colored petri net

Communication-based Train Control (CBTC) system is a widely-used signaling system. There is an increasing demand for innovating the traditional ground-centric architecture. With the application of train-train communication, object control and other advanced techniques, Train-centric CBTC (TcCBTC) system is expected to be the most promising tendency of train control system. The safe tracking interval would be reduced as well as the life-cycle costs. Formal methods play an essential role in the development of safety-critical systems, which provides an early integration of the verifiable design process. In the paper, the architecture design of TcCBTC is first analyzed. The official system specification of TcCBTC has not issued, so it takes efforts to perform the systematic summarization of the functional requirements. Secondly, we propose an integrated framework that combines the Colored Petri Net (CPN) models with the functional safety verification of the underlying systems. Functional safety depends on the logic accuracy and is a part of overall safety. The framework also specifies what kinds of functions, behaviors or properties need to be verified. The train control procedure of TcCBTC is regarded as the link among new functional modules, thus it is chosen as the modelling content. Thirdly, the scenarios and the color sets are prepared. Models are established with the novel design thought from top to bottom. Simulation and testing are implemented during the model establishment to discover the apparent errors. Lastly, the model checking by state space is performed. All possible states are checked in detail. Standard behavioral properties and other user-defined properties are verified by state space report and ASK-CTL (Computation Tree Logic) queries, respectively. Verification results reveal that the models are reasonable to depict the dynamic behaviors of train control procedure. The functional safety properties are satisfied and prepared for further drafting the system functional specification.

Formal Analysis of Smart Contract Based on Colored Petri Nets

Smart contracts increasingly cause attention for its ability to widen blockchain's application scope. However, the security of contracts is vital to its wide deployment. In this article, we propose a multilevel smart contract modeling solution to analyze the security of contract. We improve the program logic rules for bytecode and apply the Hoare condition to create a Colored Petri Net (CPN) model. The model detection method provided by the CPN tools can show the full-state space and the wrong execution path, which help us analyze the security of the contract from several perspectives. The example shows that the counter-example path given by the contract model is accord with our expected results based on code analysis, proving the correctness of the solution. In addition, we design a highly automated modeling method, introducing custom call libraries and a path derivation algorithm based on backtracking, which improves the efficiency and pertinence of the dynamic simulation of CPN models.

An Approach for the Transformation and Verification of BPMN Models to Colored Petri Nets Models

The correctness of transformations has recently begun to attract the attention of the researchers in Model Driven Engineering (MDE). The objective of this article is twofold. First, it presents an approach for transforming BPMN models to Colored Petri nets models using GROOVE and EMF/Xpand tools. Second, it proposes an approach for checking the correctness of the transformation itself. More precisely, we have defined the termination property of the transformation and the preservation of some structural properties of BPMN models by the transformation using the GROOVE graph transformation tool. The authors have also applied the approach on a case study through which the authors have verified the successful termination of the transformation using GROOVE Model Checker and the target model properties using CPN Tools.

Modeling and analysis of carousel-based mixed-model flexible manufacturing system using colored Petri net

This study aims to model, analyze, and evaluate performance of a flexible manufacturing system, constituting a carousel-based manufacturing and assembly cells layout, configured to produce mixed-model multiple products employing inter-/intra-cellular routing flexibility in which manufacturing and assembly resources are subject to working and failure modes. A hierarchical colored Petri net model is developed to analyze performance of the flexible manufacturing system. Colored Petri net modeling experiments have been conducted to evaluate the system performance for throughput, cycle time, and work-in-process. The system performance has been investigated in relation to material supply and handling system, process execution, and production resources reliability variables. Different input factors are considered for simulation modeling such as mean machining time, mean loading/unloading time, mean assembly time, buffer capacity, material supply inter-arrival time, number of operations between failures, and mean time to repair for production resources; a variation in input factors has shown a significant impact on system performance measures. The colored Petri net–based modeling, simulation, and analysis approach has been demonstrated as an efficient method for carousel-based mixed-model configured flexible manufacturing system.

Facilitating the Quantitative Analysis of Complex Events through a Computational Intelligence Model-Driven Tool

Complex event processing (CEP) is a computational intelligence technology capable of analyzing big data streams for event pattern recognition in real time. In particular, this technology is vastly useful for analyzing multicriteria conditions in a pattern, which will trigger alerts (complex events) upon their fulfillment. However, one of the main challenges to be faced by CEP is how to define the quantitative analysis to be performed in response to the produced complex events. In this paper, we propose the use of the MEdit4CEP-CPN model-driven tool as a solution for conducting such quantitative analysis of events of interest for an application domain, without requiring knowledge of any scientific programming language for implementing the pattern conditions. Precisely, MEdit4CEP-CPN facilitates domain experts to graphically model event patterns, transform them into a Prioritized Colored Petri Net (PCPN) model, modify its initial marking depending on the application scenario, and make the quantitative analysis through the simulation and monitor capabilities provided by CPN tools.