SVM is a stand-alone simulator that does not depend on any other
modeling and simulation tool. However, it can be seamlessly integrated
with AToM. A plugin for AToM generates DCharts model
descriptions from its graphical representation in AToM. The user
may then save the descriptions in text files to be simulated by SVM.
Alternatively, the generated model descriptions can also be stored in
memory and be simulated by SVM immediately without being saved. In
the latter case, SVM highlights the current states and enabled
transitions in AToM during the simulation (Figure
6.4).
The SVM plugin adds a DCharts meta-model to AToM. It is developed
on the basis of Spencer Borland's statecharts meta-model for AToM
[9]. Three buttons are available to simulate
the model in the current canvas immediately, generate .des model
description to a text file, and generate Java source code from the
current model with SCC (discussed later). The designer is thus able to
design the model in the AToM visual environment, and access to
these functions simply by clicking on the corresponding buttons.
