An information theoretic approach for knowledge representation using Petri nets

A new hybrid approach for Petri nets (PNs) is proposed in this paper by combining the PNs principles with the foundations of information theory for knowledge representation. The resulting PNs have been named Plausible Petri nets (PPNs) mainly because they can handle the evolution of a discrete event system together with uncertain (plausible) information about the system using states ofinformation. This paper overviews the main concepts of classical PNs and presents a method to allow uncertain information exchange about a state variable within the system dynamics. The resulting methodology is exemplified using an idealized expert system, which illustrates some of the challenges faced in real-world applications of PPNs.