Hierarchical Colored Petri Nets Research Articles

A hierarchical coloured Petri net model of fleet maintenance with cannibalisation

Cannibalisation refers to a maintenance action where an unserviceable part in an inoperative platform is replaced by a serviceable part of the same type from another platform. It helps a fleet meet operational requirements when spares are in short supply but leads to more maintenance tasks to be carried out. In practice, cannibalisation may be performed in an unrestricted manner, or through the use of cannibalisation birds. A cannibalisation bird is a platform which is selected as the primary source of cannibalisation, while any inoperative platform can be a cannibalisation source under the unrestricted policy. In order to aid fleet managers in making cannibalisation-related decisions, this paper presents a hierarchical coloured Petri net (HCPN) model of a fleet operation and maintenance process which considers mission-oriented operation, multiple level maintenance, multiple cannibalisation policies (no cannibalisation, unrestricted cannibalisation and cannibalisation bird), maintenance scheduling and spare inventory management. The model is applied to an example fleet to compare the effects of different cannibalisation policies on fleet performance using a number of performance measures related to reliability and maintenance and to optimise the number of cannibalisation birds used and the length of time that a platform is taken as a cannibalisation bird for the fleet.

Identification of detailed behaviour of Flexible Manufacturing Cell using Hierarchical Timed Coloured Petri Nets

The goal of this paper is focused on identifying the behavioural structure of a flexible manufacturing cell (FMC) using a model based on Coloured Timed Petri Nets and applying hierarchical techniques. In the paper we explain the modelling procedure of the manufacturing cell with single resource for different types of parts according to proposed decisions on places and transition in order to analyse the overall processing time in the cell. The designed model is based on a manufacturing cell from Faculty of Managerial and Technological Engineering, University of Oradea. In this present work, we present the behaviour of resource places, transitions and evaluate overall performance of the flexible manufacturing cell using CPNTools software.

State space properties of Flexible Manufacturing Cell based on Hierarchical Timed Colored Petri Nets

The subject of this paper is focused on the state space behavioral structure of a flexible manufacturing cell (FMC) using a hierarchical model based on Colored Timed Petri Nets theory. In the paper we discussed various types of properties of the state space in CPNTools and a simulation of the manufacturing cell model with single resource places and transition in order to identify the overall time in the cell. The proposed designed model is based on the manufacturing cell from Faculty of Managerial and Technological Engineering, University of Oradea. In this recent work, we discussed the sequence of resource places and transitions of the flexible manufacturing cell explanation with state space analysis using CPNTools software.

Scenario-Based Modeling of the On-Board of a Satellite-Based Train Control System With Colored Petri Nets

For the goal of model-based system design and development, this paper exploits the formalism of colored Petri nets (CPNs) to model the on-board subsystem of a satellite-based train control system on the basis of scenarios. The Unified Modeling Language sequence diagrams, which are easily understood by customers, requirement engineers, and software developers, are used to represent scenarios as specification models. A scenario is a partial description of the system behavior, describing how users, system components, and the environment interact. Thus, scenarios need to be synthesized to obtain an overall system behavior. A large number of works have investigated scenario synthesis providing approaches or algorithms. These synthesis approaches and algorithms result in either Petri net models that are mainly suitable for scenario validation or other forms of behavior models (e.g., labeled transition systems and statecharts) that may be regarded as design models. Petri nets are well known for describing distributed and concurrent systems. Furthermore, numerous techniques, e.g., simulation, testing, state-space-based techniques, structural methods, and model checking, are currently available for analyzing PN models. Therefore, design models, which integrate all scenarios into a coherent whole suitable for further detailed design, in the form of Petri nets are promising. To this end, we present a top-down approach to establish hierarchical CPNs in accordance with specified scenarios (i.e., sequence diagrams). This approach makes use of explicitly labeling component states in the sequence diagrams to correlate scenarios. In addition, the techniques of state-space analysis and model-based testing are employed to verify the correctness and consistency of the CPN model with respect to standard and system-specific properties. The verification results show that our approach is desirable.

Modeling and analyzing web application with aspect-oriented hierarchical Coloured Petri Nets

Aspect-oriented modeling can uncover potential design faults, yet most existing work fails to achieve both separation and composition in a natural and succinct way. This study presents an aspect-oriented modeling and analysis approach with hierarchical Coloured Petri Nets (HCPN). HCPN has sub-models and well-defined semantics combining a set of submodels. These two characteristics of HCPN are nicely integrated into aspect oriented modeling. Submodels are used to model aspects while the combination mechanism contributes to aspects weaving. Furthermore, the woven aspect oriented HCPN model can be simulated and analyzed by the CPN Tools. A systematic web application case study is conducted. The results show the system original properties are satisfied after weaving aspects and all design flaws are revealed. As such, the approach can support web application design and analysis in an aspect-oriented fashion concisely and effectively.

Scenario-based system design with colored Petri nets: an application to train control systems

For the goal of model-based system software development, this paper exploits the formalism of colored Petri nets (CPNs) to design complex systems based on scenarios. The specification of UML sequence diagrams which are easily understood by customers, requirement engineers and software developers are adopted to represent scenarios as specification models. A scenario is a partial description of the system behavior, describing how users, system components and the environment interact. Thus scenarios need to be synthesized in order to obtain an overall system behavior. A large number of works (e.g., Whittle and Schumann in Proceedings of the 2000 international conference on software engineering, pp 314---323, 2000; Elkoutbi and Keller in Application and theory of Petri nets, 2000; Damas et al. in Proceedings of the 14th ACM SIGSOFT international symposium on foundations of software engineering, pp 197---207, 2000; Uchitel et al. in IEEE Trans Softw Eng 29(2):99---115, 2003) have investigated scenario synthesis providing approaches or algorithms. These synthesis approaches and algorithms result in either Petri net models (e.g., Elkoutbi and Keller 2000; Ameedeen and Bordbar in 12th international IEEE enterprise distributed object computing conference (EDOC), pp 213---221, 2008) that are mainly suitable for scenario validation or other forms of behavior models (e.g., labeled transition systems in Damas et al. 2000; Uchitel et al. 2003 and statecharts in Kruger et al. in Distributed and parallel embedded systems, pp 61---71, 1999; Whittle et al. 2000) that may be regarded as design models. Petri nets are well known for describing distributed and concurrent complex systems. Furthermore, numerous techniques, e.g., simulation, testing, state space-based techniques, structural methods and model checking, are currently available for analyzing Petri net models. Therefore, design models in the form of Petri nets, integrating all scenarios into a coherent whole and fitting for further detailed design, are promising. To this end, we present a top-down approach to establish hierarchical CPNs in accordance with specified scenarios (i.e., sequence diagrams). This approach makes use of explicitly labeling component states in the sequence diagrams to correlate scenarios. In addition, the techniques of state space analysis and ASK-CTL model checking are used to verify the correctness and consistency of the CPN model with respect to standard and system-specific properties. As the inspiration of the presented approach derives from the development of train control systems, we present an running example of designing the on-board subsystem of a satellite-based train control system to show the feasibility of our approach.

Modeling and Analysis of Traffic Guidance Systems Based on Multi-Agent

Aimed at the deficiency of existing modeling method of traffic guidance system based on Multi-Agent, the advantage of Unified Modeling Language (UML) and Hierarchical Colored Petri Nets (HCPN) is combined to model the system. The modeling method using UML and HCPN is first put forward, and more UML diagrams are constructed so as to model the framework of traffic guidance systems. Moreover, the mapping rules from UML model to HCPN is set up, the formal model of traffic guidance system is gotten, and design error may be found by formal verification and validation of HCPN model. So UML model can be improved and correct UML model can be gotten.

Formalization and Verification of Hierarchical Use of Interaction Overview Diagrams Using Timing Diagrams

Thanks to its graphical notation and simplicity, Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a de facto standard and a widespread language used in both industry and academia, despite the fact that its semantics is still informal. The Interaction Overview Diagram (IOD) is introduced in UML2; it allows the specification of the behavior in the hierarchical way. This paper is a contribution towards a formal dynamic semantics of UML2. We start by formalizing the Hierarchical use of IOD. Afterward, we complete the mapping of IOD, Sequence Diagrams and Timing Diagrams into Hierarchical Colored Petri Nets (HCPNs) using the Timed colored Petri Nets (timed CP-net). Our approach helps designers to get benefits from abstraction as well as refinement at more than two levels of hierarchy which reduces verification complexity.

A RAID-BASED SECURE AND FAULT-TOLERANT MODEL FOR CLOUD INFORMATION STORAGE

Cloud computing allows for access to ubiquitous data storage and powerful computing resources through the use of web services. There are major concerns, however, with data security, reliability, and availability in the cloud. In this paper, we address these concerns by introducing a novel security mechanism for secure and fault-tolerant cloud information storage. The information storage model follows the RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) concept by considering cloud service providers as independent virtual disk drives. As such, the model utilizes multiple cloud service providers as a cloud cluster for information storage, and a service directory for management of the cloud clusters including service query, key management, and cluster restoration. Our approach not only supports maintaining the confidentiality of the stored data, but also ensures that the failure or compromise of an individual cloud provider in a cloud cluster will not result in a compromise of the overall data set. To ensure a correct design, we present a formal model of the security mechanism using hierarchical colored Petri nets (HCPN), and verify some key properties of the model using model checking techniques.

Heterogeneous Hierarchical Coloured Petri Net Software/Hardware Architectural View of Embedded System based on System Behaviours

This research is to develop a formal and systematic method for the software and hardware architecture design of embedded systems based on system's behaviours. Then the method examined real example of embedded system which has been implemented on intelligent building area. In this research, Discrete Event System Specification and Hierarchical Coloured Petri Nets are used for modelling of system behaviours, Firstly, the main system's states and behaviours are to be formulated by Set Theory, then Discrete Event System Specification formulism produces a basic behaviour model indication logic of the system, ultimately, the software and hardware architecture are well-presented by executable Hierarchical Coloured Petri Net model. The model depicted embedded system in hardware and software view. This paper focuses on the analysing and designing along with system's major functional requirements, hardware and software requirements. The research results show that a real prototype of embedded system using sensors to scrutinize environment to notify user through the Global System for Mobile Communications and Short Message Service and make the user able to control Air conditioner remotely.

Validation environment of UML2 IOD based on hierarchical coloured Petri nets

A new interaction diagram, called Interaction Overview Diagram or IOD, was introduced in the second generation of UML. It defines interactions through a variant of activity diagrams in a way that promotes overview of the control flow. But its semantics remains unclear thus requiring formalisation tasks. We propose in this paper a validation environment for UML IODs. So we first formalise their semantics by translation to the semantics domain of Hierarchical Coloured Petri Nets, or HCPNs for short. The derived HCPN models are afterwards analysed by means of the model-checker CPNtools. The analysis tackles the simulation, verification and validation aspects. It especially focuses on the validation of system properties written by the UML designer. The properties are expressed in OCL and then automatically translated into ASKCTL temporal logic. A case study of an ATM system illustrates the approach.

Train Control System Formalization Modeling oriented Movement Authority

Chinese Train Control System-3(CTCS-3) was integrated via various control system devices, assurance of CTCS-3 system transmission probability relied on empirical judgment, it is necessary to form its formalization to support integration for system stability of the whole CTCS-3. Movement Authority(MA) acts on the whole information process of CTCS-3 to control train, its process properties can be as the reflection of CTCS probability. Aiming at that, paper selected MA as the objective, proposed MA-oriented CTCS-3 formalization modeling. Paper designed generation and transmission algorithms of MA, formed MA computation models for application functions. Based on computation models, paper constructed MA hierarchical Colored Petri Nets(CPN) models, and completed MA timed CPN model, the report and experimental result demonstrate that the model proposed is effective and can reflect CTCS-3 system properties accurately. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/telkomnika.v10i5.1352

Member Behavior-Oriented Simulation Research for Supply Chain Coordination

In order to reflect the initiative, autonomous and coordinative characteristics of the member behaviors in supply chain coordination simulation, an integrated process simulation model was formulated centered on the member agent behavior firstly. Then, the member agent behavior model was emphatically studied, and hierarchical colored Petri-nets were used to describe the agent behavior process and coordinative behavior process. Finally, a supply chain coordination simulation platform was developed based on these models, and the member behavior-oriented modeling and simulation functions were realized. Member behavior-oriented coordination simulation provides a quantitative and dynamic method to analyze the supply chain coordination mechanism

Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation on Multi-Stage Supply Chain Operation

Supply chain simulation is a fundamental approach for supply chain prediction, management, evaluation, and improvement. In order to simulate member behavior, organizational strategy, and management strategy of the supply chain, an agent-based modeling and simulation approach on multi-stage supply chain operation was proposed in this paper. First, the model structure of multi-stage supply chain operation was introduced. Then, the individual agent behavior model was emphatically studied, and hierarchical colored Petri-nets were used to describe the agent behavior process and cooperative behavior process. Finally, the model was validated using a series of simulation which focused on the agent inventory strategy.

Hierarchical Colored Petri Nets Based Modeling and Analyzing for Web Service Composition

Web services composition is a complex and error-prone process, but there are no effective verification mechanisms among the existing composition specifications. Based on the semantics of web services ontology language OWL-S, a formal description and modeling method using Hierarchical Colored Petri nets(HCPN) for web services composition processes is proposed. In the method, the control and data flow information of web services composition process model which is described by the OWL-S can be transformed into HCPN model, with the ease of simulation and verification. On the other hand, the state space explosion problem can be transfered into the memory limit of computer which is not a serious problem now. With the help of CPN-Tools, the established HCPN model can be simulated dynamicly, the dynamic behaviors of the model can be obtained, and the correctness and effectiveness of web services composition can be verified. The method can be used to analyze and verify complex systems. An instance of hospital services is given to illustrate the modeling and analysis of the service composition process with HCPN.

Process–Oriented Software Development Based on HPN Business Process Model

In order to develop the process-oriented software, we put forward hierarchical colored Petri net (HCPN) to model business process. This approach consists of hierarchical decomposition graph, detailed process graph. Furthermore, the concept of business process components (BPCs) is proposed to facility the business process modeling. The software components, which are constructs of the information system, can be derived by means of the mapping from the relevant business process components. The development of business process-oriented application will be more convenient and rapid based on component library. Such an application becomes more flexible to the changing environment.

Research on Reliability Modeling of Cross-Organizational Workflows Based on Hierarchical Colored Petri Nets

To reduce the complexity of cross-organizational workflow modeling and verification, a reliable modeling method of cross-organizational workflows based on hierarchical colored Petri nets is proposed. At the foundation of discussing formal definitions of global and local workflows, the paper develops reliability modeling constraints of cross-organizational workflows from structure to logic. Under these constraints, a top-down cross-organizational workflow model is built. Those substitution transitions which input places were safe in global workflow are refined by reliable local workflows to guarantee the reliability of cross-organizational workflow model.

Architecture compliance checking at run-time

In this paper, we report on our experiences with architecture compliance checking – the process of checking whether the planned or specified software architecture is obeyed by the running system – of an OSGi-based, dynamically evolving application in the office domain. To that end, we first show how to dynamically instrument a running system in the context of OSGi in order to collect run-time traces. Second, we explain how to bridge the abstraction gap between run-time traces and software architectures, through the construction of hierarchical Colored Petri nets (CP-nets). In addition, we demonstrate how to design reusable hierarchical CP-nets. In an industry example, we were able to extract views that helped us to identify a number of architecturally relevant issues (e.g., architectural style violations, behavior violations) that would not have been detected otherwise, and could have caused serious problems like system malfunctioning or unauthorized access to sensitive data. Finally, we package valuable experiences and lessons learned from this endeavor .

Software fault tree and coloured Petri net based specification, design and implementation of agent-based intrusion detection systems

The integration of Software Fault Tree (SFT), which describes intrusions and Coloured Petri Nets (CPNs) that specifies design, is examined for an Intrusion Detection System (IDS). The IDS under development is a collection of mobile agents that detect, classify, and correlate the system and network activities. SFTs, augmented with nodes that describe trust, temporal and contextual relationships, are used to describe intrusions. CPNs for intrusion detection are built using CPN templates created from the augmented SFTs. Hierarchical CPNs are created to detect critical stages of intrusions. The agentbased implementation of the IDS is then constructed from the CPNs. Examples of intrusions and descriptions of the prototype implementation are used to demonstrate how the CPN approach has been used in the development of the IDS. The main contribution of this paper is an approach to systematic specification, design and implementation of an IDS; Innovations include (1) using stages of intrusions to structure the specification and design of the IDS; (2) augmentation of SFT with trust, temporal and contextual nodes to model intrusions; (3) algorithmic construction of CPNs from augmented SFT; and (4) generation of mobile agents from CPNs.

Hierarchical Colored Petri Nets based components for workflow systems

Workflow systems have benefited the enterprise and customer in many aspects. But with the increasing complexity of the system, workflow design becomes a complicated and time-consuming process. In this paper, we model the system based on the Hierarchical Colored Petri Nets (HCPN) to avoid the complexity of the system, and the super nets of the model are abstracted as independent components to increase the flexibility, acceptability and maintainability of the system. Another important characteristic of this model is its convenience for reuse and workflow mining. The development process of the overhead traveling crane was given to demonstrate the proposed method.