Visual animation of LOTOS using SOLVE (extended version)

Abstract

SOLVE (Specification using an Object-based, LOTOS-defined, Visual language) is designed to allow formal requirements capture, particularly for interactive systems. The SOLVE language is object-based, and formally defined using LOTOS (Language Of Temporal Ordering Specification). SOLVE is also a set of software tools that allow direct visual animation of systems specified in this language. Communicating objects control onscreen icons that can be manipulated directly by the user. Animation is supported by translating a SOLVE specification automatically into a LOTOS specification, and then simulating this using standard LOTOS tools. A VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) clock controller is used to illustrate the SOLVE approach. A further application is embodied in the XDILL tool that supports requirements specification and animation of digital logic circuits. The architecture of the SOLVE toolset is described.