Tutorial on CPN Tools
Kristian Bisgaard Lassen, Anders Hessellund Jensen,
Lea Troels Møller Pedersen, Michael Westergaard,
and Lisa Wells, University of Aarhus, Denmark
Abstract
CPN Tools is a tool for editing, simulating and analysing Coloured
Petri Nets. The GUI is based on advanced interaction techniques, such
as toolglasses, marking menus, and two-handed interaction. The tool
features incremental syntax checking and code generation which take
place while a net is being constructed. Version 1.0 of CPN Tools was
released in November 2003. The version is stable, well-tested, and
recommended for project use. The functionality of the simulation
engine and state space facilities are similar to the corresponding
components in Design/CPN, which is a widespread tool for Coloured
Petri Nets.
This full-day tutorial consists of four sessions that focus on
different aspects of CPN Tools.
Session 1: Demonstration of CPN Tools
This session will provide a general introduction to CPN Tools. The
goal is to introduce new users to the tool, as well as to provide an
overview of new features for users who are already familiar with the
tool. The following topics will be discussed:
- Introduction to CPN Tools, including demonstrations of how to
edit, simulate, and calculate state spaces for CP-nets.
- Presentation of new features, including improved support for
creating subpages, and improved cloning facilities.
- Discussion of future plans.
Session 2: Adding Graphics to Simulations and State Spaces in CPN
Tools
In this session, we will present a library for adding graphics and
animation to simulations and state spaces in CPN Tools. The following
topics will be discussed:
- Architecture of animation facilities
- Basic facilities: Hello world example
- More elaborate facilities: State-space visualisation
- Simple animations with feedback: Telebit example
- Writing your own animation components
Session 3: Building Industrial-Sized Models, and Performance Analysis in CPN
Tools
The following topics will be discussed:
- Building industrial-sized models
- Brief introduction to an industrial-sized CPN model
- Tips and tricks for creating large CP-nets
- Creating CPN models that are understandable for non-CPN experts
- Introduction to prototype facilities for simulation-based
performance analysis
- Monitoring simulations
- Collecting data from markings and occuring transitions
- Running multiple simulations
- Comparing output from different model configurations
Session 4: CPN Tools Hands-on Session
In this final session, it will be possible for participants to use CPN
Tools. Tutors will be available for assistance.
For more information about CPN Tools, please see
http://www.daimi.au.dk/CPNTools.
Last modified: Tue Sep 7 12:30:33 2004