A number of artificial and natural systems can be modeled as hybrid models in which continuous and discrete variables interact. Such hybrid models are usually challenging to analyze and control due to the computational complexity associated with existing methods. In this paper, the novel modeling formalism of Guarded Flexible Nets (GFNs) is proposed for the modeling, analysis and control of hybrid system. A GFN consists of an event net that determines how the state changes as processes execute, and an intensity net that determines the speeds of the processes. In a GFN, the continuous state is given by the value of its state variables, and the discrete state is given by the region within which such variables lie. GFNs are shown to possess a high modeling power while offering appealing analysis and control possibilities.European Commission through a 7th Framework Program BIOLEDGE Contract No: 289126 to SGO
Marie Curie Intra European Fellowship to JJ (FormalBio Contract No:
623995, Call reference: FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF).
Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (UK) grant
no. BB/N02348X/1 as part of the IBiotech Program, and by the Indus-
trial Biotechnology Catalyst (Innovate UK, BBSRC, EPSRC) to support
the translation, development and commercialisation of innovative Industrial Biotechnology processes