Specifications and design of graphical interface for hierarchical finite state machines

Abstract

This paper presents the specifications and the design of a simple graphical interface for building hierarchical finite state machines. This kind of tool can prove very useful for quickly designing hierarchical behaviors. It can be used in the frame of RoboCup to develop deterministic complex behaviors without focusing on C++ coding because source code can be generated from the interface. It is also possible to use it to generate hierarchical finite state machines for whatever purpose needed. The user can create state diagrams by drawing boxes for states and specifying transitions between states. A state diagram can represent a behavior and be considered as a metastate. Diagrams of metastates are possible to constitute several levels. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2006.