Graphical functions

Abstract

A method, system and computer program product to define and utilize functions graphically is provided which may be used in the simulation of finite state machines. The functions may combine mathematical, logical, non-linear and comparative operations. The graphical elements of the function may be hidden for ease of display of various portions of a model.

1 . A medium holding computer executable instruction for performing a method, the medium comprising instructions for:
 receiving a statechart, the statechart comprising:
 at least one state or at least one transition, and 
 at least one graphical function,
 the graphical function being graphically represented in the representation of the statechart and distinct from each of the at least one states or the at least one transitions of the statechart, 
 the graphical function comprising a function prototype that specifies a syntax for invoking the graphical function; 
 
   parsing the statechart into an intermediate representation using a computer, the instructions for parsing the statechart comprising instructions for
 searching the statechart for the graphical function, 
 generating an intermediate representation of the graphical function, 
 parsing a state or transition of the statechart, 
 encountering a function invocation in the state or transition, wherein the graphical function is invoked in the function invocation, and 
 checking the function invocation for compliance with the syntax for invoking the graphical function; and 
   synthesizing, using the computer, the intermediate representation of the statechart into computer code in a target code language.