Monitor for displaying the status of Real-Time simulation.

Abstract

This paper presents a design and implementation of a monitor to display the status of real-time simulation and modelling for discrete event dynamic systems, DEDS. The modelling and simulation of DEDS in this thesis are implemented using two kinds tools called Petri net and GpenSIM. Petri Nets are tools that are widely used now a day to model and simulate discrete events of concurrent and dynamic systems. [1] Petri net has a graphical formalism that is getting popularity in recent years as a tool for representing complex mathematical and analytical interactions (like synchronization, concurrency, atomicity, sequential and conflict control) among physical components or activities in DEDS. [1] Besides a Petri net can be primarily used for analyzing and modeling the dynamic and concurrent behavior of distributed systems where there is a discrete event flow. GPenSim, where this thesis will rely on, is a general purpose Petri net simulation tool used to model and simulate systems of discrete events that are designed using a Petri Net tool. In this thesis, a human computer interaction (HCI) tool for GpenSIM is also introduced. This is because of the fact that GPenSIM doesn’t provide a method to display the simulation process on a graphical display unit. The newly implemented HCI tool is used for displaying the status of the running GpenSIM file on a monitor screen; it has also an enhanced tool that helps the user to easily control the Real-Time simulation process. To illustrate the application of Real-Time simulation and modelling using Petri net and to test the newly developed HCI tool for GpenSIM, it has also been implemented different kind of real life models in some application areas like industry, traffic light signal and door alarm. In this thesis, NXT intelligent brick with sensors have been used to show how GpenSIM works for modelling the real life system run on Real-Time and also to illustrate the modelling power of a Petri net by testing the newly implemented display tool. The NXT Intelligent brick is a simple robotic device that is built for educational purpose. [2] The device is used to get a Real-Time data from different sensor nodes on Real-Time.