A Uniform Approach to Petri Nets

The new concept of universal parameterized net classes is introduced in order to allow a uniform approach to different kinds of Petri net classes. By different actualizations of the net structure parameter and the data type parameter we obtain several well-known net classes, like elementary nets, place-transition nets, colored nets, predicate transition nets, and algebraic high-level nets, as well as several interesting new classes of low- and high-level nets. While the basic concept of parameterized net classes is defined on a purely set theoretical level the extended concept of universal parameterized net classes takes into account also morphisms and universal properties in the sense of category theory. This allows to discuss general constructions and compatibility results concerning union and fusion of nets for different types of net classes.