Supporting requirements engineering with different petri net classes

Abstract

This paper considers how Petri net main classes or categories can be used to support systems and software requirements engineering processes. In general Petri nets are classifiable into four main categories which are i) elementary nets, ii) Normal Petri nets, iii) higher order nets and iv) timed Petri nets or Petri nets with time. Apart from some major fundamental differences, each category has a specific use for systems engineering and software engineering and thus they can clearly help with requirements engineering issues. In this work the main differences between these categories are briefly explained. It is also shown how these Petri net classes can be made to fit in a semi structured approach. This is very useful for the analysis and design of a whole range of system types. A simple case study of a vending machine is used for illustrating this work.