Formal Modeling and Analysis by Simulation of Data Paths in Digital Document Printers

This paper reports on a challenging case study conducted in the context of the Octopus project where CPN Tools is used to model and analyze the embedded system of digital document printer. Modeling the dynamic behavior of such systems in a predictable way is a major challenge. In this paper, we present the approach where colored Petri nets are used to model the system. Simulation is used to analyze the behavior and performance. The challenge in modeling is to create building blocks that enable flexibility in reconfiguration of architecture and design space exploration. CPN Tools and ProM (a process mining tool) are used to collect and analyze the simulation results. We present the pros and cons of both the conventional presentation of simulation results and using ProM. Using ProM it is possible to monitor the simulation is a refined and flexible manner. Moreover, the same tool can be used to monitor the real system and the simulated system making comparison easier.