Project:

For my term project I will build a java program which is capable of
executing Petri Nets, represented in extended PNML, while interacting with
the class's Slow Intelligence System testbed.  Specifically, the extensions
to PNML will give the executor program information about dispatching and
receiving messages to and from the SIS server.  The outgoing messages will
be sent by defining a trigger on one of the Petri Net's transitions, which
will specify the message type to send when that transition fires.  A single
incoming message type, PlaceTokenMsg, will be defined to allow external
components to put a new token on a particular Place in the Net.  For
example, one could define a Place named p_printer_ready, that must be filled
for any print transition to fire.  A theoretical PrintMonitorComponent could
then, upon seeing the printer's status change from "in use" to "ready",
sends a PlaceTokenMsg with PlaceName="p_printer_ready".

Through the methods above, I will create a Petri Net executor that can
control many conceivable aspects of the SIS testbed.  Petri Net design can
be handled by any program which understands the standardized PNML language,
including TINA.  Thus I expect users to create a visually-attractive Petri
Net, in their tool of choice, before integrating the Net with the SIS.  When
loading the PNML into the executor (which will be a graphical JFrame-based
program), its visual layout will be mandated by the PNML file, and not
editable.  However, by clicking on transitions the user can specify a
message to be sent when it fires.  Also, the user can monitor the current
state of the Petri Net in real-time, as well as through log files.

These tools and my Executor will create a rich environment for Petri Nets
within the SIS.  The workload should be relatively low, given the large body
of work I am building from - including the PNML standard, SIS testbed, and
TINA's Petri Net designer.


Comments: Please talk to Ms. Xu when she comes back
from interview.  Other students may also use the
PNML format as well.