Qualitative simulation of temporal concurrent processes using Time Interval Petri Nets

摘要

This paper presents a formalism called Time Interval Petri Nets (TIPNs), which are designed to support a qualitative simulation of temporal concurrent processes. One of the key features of TIPNs is a uniform use of time intervals throughout the model. This enables a natural and efficient representation of temporal uncertainty in inputs, outputs, and intermediate states of the qualitative simulation. This is required because the exact time of key events, such as the start time of a fire crisis, is typically not known with certainty. Likewise, output conclusions of the qualitative simulation include earliest time and guaranteed time of key events that can be used by a decision maker to select the most appropriate action.