Using relation algebra for the analysis of Petri nets in a CASE tool based approach

Abstract

We provide the calculus of relations as a data type implemented in an object-oriented Java-library, KURE. We demonstrate how to employ KURE in a CASE tool for the relation-algebraic analysis of Petri nets. Relation algebra has already been applied to condition/event nets. We extend this approach to place/transition systems in general and thereby provide a novel relation-algebraic interface to Petri net analysis. KURE is usable in any tool modelling with relations. In this paper we address in general how CASE tools are equipped with the calculus of relations and demonstrate in particular how reachability analysis of Petri nets benefits from this formal method.