Graphic modelisation and simulation design technique including temporal operators

Abstract This paper concerns the integration of temporal operators into the specification phase of Automated Manufacturing Systems (AMS). Our goal was to elaborate a new specification and design method - a new concept, simple enough to be expressive and easy to understand, and at the same time adaptable enough to enable a preliminary safety analysis. In fact, this research work contributes to completing a hierarchical and modular modelisation of the the functional approach of SADT (SADT 1976, Marca 1989) by the specification of a temporal SADT. Temporal SADT indicates, in a graphic manner, synchronisations between activities of the system without imposing any additional formalism. Simultanousely, a validation approach for temporal SADT using temporal Petri nets has been proposed. One application, written in an object oriented language Smalllalk-80, is the practical part of this research work. It helps to modelise systems in temporal SADT specification and to simulate their sequential behaviour.