UML Diagrams to Object Petri Net Models: An Approach for Modeling and Analysis

Abstract. UML, being the industry standard as a common OO modeling language needs a well-defined semantic base for its notation. Formalization of the graphical notation enables numerous automated processing and analysis tasks, such as behavioral simulation and consistency checks between levels of specifications. Object Oriented Petri nets (OOPN) can provide a formal semantic framework for the UML notations plus the behavioral modeling/ analysis strength needed by the system designers. This paper describes a methodology to develop a colored Petri net of a system, by deriving a form of OOPN called as Object Petri Net Models (OPMs) from UML Statechart diagrams and connecting them using UML Collaboration diagrams. Then, the single system-level Petri net can be analyzed by formal Petri net analysis techniques. Examples are provided to illustrate the methodology.