A multi-tasking environment based on Petri nets with objects and Modula-2

A novel approach for real-time software prototyping is considered which is based on Petri nets for the specification and Modula-2 for the implementation. A software environment is developed based on this concept to enable fast prototyping of real-time software. The specification of real-time software is done using an extended model of Petri nets. Petri net with objects (PNO). The software environment (ENPROT) consists of a Petri-net-based programming language and related tools such as an analyzer, an interpreter, and a real-time nucleus written in Modula-2. Such an environment can be considered as an application generator, intended for real-time process control. The environment has been tested by symbolic execution and also on an academic pilot manufacturing plant. The communicator is about five to six times slower than a direct implementation. Thus, in the case of strong timing constraints a good approach is to use the communicator to prototype the application and then to select the direct implementation to obtain the final code.<>