Towards a monitoring framework for discrete-event system simulations

Abstract

This paper presents a framework for tools for monitoring discrete-event system models. Monitoring is any activity related to observing, inspecting, controlling or modifying a simulation of the model. We identify general patterns in how ad-hoc monitoring is done, and generalise these patterns to a uniform and flexible framework. A coloured Petri net model and simulator are used to illustrate how the framework can be used to create various types of monitoring tools. The framework is presented in general terms that are not specific to any particular formalism. The framework can serve as a reference for implementing different types of monitors in discrete-event system simulators.