A SIMULATION SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE FOR GRAPH MODELS

The paper describes a distributed modeling system architecture, designed to support various graph models of computation, including predicate/transition nets and colored Petri nets. To demonstrate the utility of the architecture, we describe an implementation for a specific graph model (one that is related to, but distinct from, Petri nets). The architecture provides for interactive editing and interpretation facilities employing a graphic point-and-select user interface. A user can define a model, then mark it with tokens and observe the operation of the net through real time animation. The model and the marking can be rapidly altered, even as an interpretation is in progress. The system also supports simultaneous use among multiple users, including concurrent editing and interpretation. Thus the system supports cooperative model design and interpretation by a group of designers at different nodes in a network of workstations.