A simple machine in a complex environment: A Petri net approach

This paper is about a modelling approach on top of the Petri net formalism. We consider a system architecture that separates the machine from the environment in which it is deployed, and address this architecture within the Petri net framework. We consider that the basic functioning of many machines can be captured in a Petri net model, while the environment where the machine is deployed is often complex and difficult to model within Petri net. We handle the environment influence on the choice of operations by the so-called external agents, and propose a way to model their respective goals. We support our work with theoretical analyses model, and also a simple graphical model building language. We then illustrate the method using a case study inspired from the well drilling industry.