Intuitive mapping of UML 2 activity diagrams into fundamental modeling concept petri net diagrams and colored petri nets

Abstract

This paper describes how UML 2 Activity diagrams can be intuitively translated into Petri net notations. The UML2 specification states that activities are based on Petri net semantics. The transformation of UML 2 Activity diagrams into Petri net semantics have been researched for various reasons. Translating UML activities into Petri nets creates new problems. The Petri net diagrams are i) more complex ii) contain more nodes and edges, iii) unsuitable for visualization by stakeholders. A solution to this problem is to translate the UML activity diagram into a Fundamental Modeling Concepts Petri net diagram compact notation. This can be converted to a colored Petri net (CPN) for execution and validation. A case study taken from a web ordering system activity is used for explaining and illustrating this concept.