Dynamic discrete-event systems with instances for the modelling of emergency response protocols

Abstract

A type of model, dynamic discrete-event systems with instances, is proposed for use with time-varying systems where a number of system components may share common behavior. The motivation for this model comes from the area of emergency response protocols where systems may change unexpectedly, however, there are predefined types of actors. The model is based on previous work on dynamic discrete event systems and on template design. Synchronization patterns are introduced which allow the generic definition of component interactions regardless of a particular system composition. The synchronous product operation is updated in order to employ these patterns. Advantages of the proposed model include compactness of representation, preservation of the identity (history) of individual components and, with the use of online control, amenability to dynamic changes of control specifications.