Road traffic models using petri nets and minplus algebra

Abstract

We present in this paper a traffic model based on Petri nets and minplus algebra. A Petri net is represented by two matrices one in standard algebra and the other in minplus algebra. Then a system point of view is developed based on a matrix product combining these two algebras. Introducing inputs and outputs on transitions and places we can link two Petri nets by associating outputs with inputs of the two systems. This linking corresponds to a contraction operator. Combining elementary systems with this contraction operator we can build large systems. This point of view is used to define the traffic dynamics of a regular town from three elementary Petri nets. © 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.