Software and System Engineering - High-Level Petri Nets - Part 1: Concepts, Definitions and Graphical Notation

1.1 Purpose

This International Standard defines a Petri net technique, called High-level Petri Nets, including its syntax and semantics. It provides a reference definition that can be used both within and between organisations, to ensure a common understanding of the technique and of the specifications written using the technique.

This International Standard will also facilitate the development and interoperability of Petri net computer support tools. Part 1 of this International Standard defines a mathematical semantic model, an abstract mathematical syntax for annotations and a graphical notation for High-level Petri Nets, known as the High-level Petri Net Graph. A mathematical mapping is provided that defines the graphical form in terms of the semantic model.

A transfer format for the High-level Petri Net Graph is the subject of Part 2 of this International Standard, while Part 3 addresses techniques for modularity (such as hierarchies) and the augmentation of High-level Petri Nets with time.

1.2 Field of Application

This International Standard is applicable to a wide variety of concurrent discrete event systems and in particular distributed systems.

Generic fields of application include: - requirements analysis; - development of specifications, designs and test suites; - descriptions of existing systems prior to re-engineering; - modelling business and software processes; - providing the semantics for concurrent languages; - simulation of systems to increase confidence; - formal analysis of the behaviour of systems; and - development of Petri net support tools.

1.3 Audience

Part 1 of this International Standard is written as a reference for systems analysts, designers, developers, maintainers and procurers, and for Petri net tool designers and standards developers.