Petri nets-based automatic generation GUI tools for embedded systems

Abstract

This paper presents a set of development tools for model-based automatic generation of Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) for embedded systems. Two main tools are described: one allowing the definition of the graphical characteristics of the synoptic, named as ldquoAnimatorrdquo, and the second one responsible for the embedded control execution part, named as ldquoSynopticrdquo, and integrating real-time up-dating of the graphical user interface (the synoptic part). In this sense, the embedded system is seen as an ordinary embedded control system integrating the associated graphical user interface, reacting as a SCADA (Supervisory, Control, and Data Acquisition) system (even not supporting the distributed nature of SCADA systems). The behavioral model of the system is specified through a IOPT model (Input-Output Place-Transition Petri nets model), which is represented using a PNML (Petri net Markup Language) notation. An automatic code generator from PNML to C will provide the specific code to be linked with the core code of the graphical user interface. The Petri net model behavior exhibits static and dynamic characteristics, which are associated with the graphical characteristics of the synoptic through a set of dedicated rules. The application of the tools to a simple embedded system for a parking lot control is presented.