Encoding the ANSI Z39.50 Search and Retrieval Protocol using LOOPN
John Lamp · 1994
An examination of the Z39.50 protocol in its context is made, and a methodology for expressing it in Petri nets is proposed and implemented. The resulting place/transition nets are expressed in LOOPN modules and source code. Advantages and difficulties of the use of this particular form of expression are noted, and recommendations for further analysis and work in this area are made. iii Acknowledgements I would like to acknowledge the support of my supervisor, Brian Marriott, especially when it became obvious that my original project was no longer appropriate and a replacement project needed to be found. Charles Lakos and Chris Keen assisted with a number of aspects of this project. Clifford Lynch, Ray Denenberg and Ralph LeVan, members of the Z39.50 Implementors Group were particularly helpful throughout the year. No project such as this can ever be successful without the support of the family members. Bernice, Matthew and Gemma all helped in their own ways. The opportunity for me to undertake this year as a full time project would not have been possible without the financial support provided by the Higman Prize and Comcare Australia. iv Table of Contents 1.