Hornets: Nets within Nets Combined with Net Algebra

摘要

In this contribution we propose an algebraic extension of object nets. Object nets, also known as nets within nets, allow nets itself as tokens. The algebraic structure introduced here refers to the topology of these net-tokens, i.e. we have operators which compose nets. Object nets that use net operations in arc expression are called Higher Order Recursive Nets, or short: Hornets. The operations on nets allow to modify the structure of net-tokens at run-time. We apply this construct to the workflow management domain. We propose a simple Hornet model of a distributed workflow management system. This system consists of a network of workflow management agents. The agents cooperatively transfer workflows over the network for distributed execution, monitor their processes, and reorganise the workflow repository to improve e.g. the system's performance.