Cause-Effect Structures

This book presents a new algebraic system whose interpretation coincides with the behaviour of Petri nets, enhanced with an inhibitory mechanism and four time models. Its goal is to provide a formal means of modelling dynamic tasks, and of testing and verifying properties, in contexts characterised by the parallel execution of actions. However, the task description differs from that of Petri nets. The algebra is a quasi-semiring, quasi because of its somewhat restricted distributivity axiom. Expressions of this algebra, the causeeffect structures, have a graphic presentation as nets, but with one kind of named nodes, each annotated by two expressions that specify the type of signal reception from predecessors and transmission to successors. Many structural and behavioural properties are stated with proofs, and illustrative sample tasks are included. The book is intended for all those interested or involved in parallel and distributed computing students, researchers and practitioners alike.

Describes causeeffect structures as an extension of the elementary ce structures, and with the following features: weighted edges, multi-valued nodes with capacities, inhibitors, and several models of time Includes various real-world examples illustrating the features discussed Presents a quasi-semiring of nets, together with examples and applications

Inhalt
Introductory notes.- Basics of elementary cause-effect structures.- Extensions of elementary cause-effect structures.- Another extension: time in elementary c-e structures.