CNJ : A VISUAL PROGRAMMING ENVIRONMENT FOR CONSTRAINT NETS

The Constraint Nets (CN) model has proven to be useful for a wide variety of purposes, ranging from intelligent agent systems and real-time embedded systems, to integrated hybrid systems with various time structures [3]. In this paper, a new visual programming environment called CNJ (Constraint Nets in Java) using component-based technologies is described. CNJ uses JavaBeans, Bean Introspection, drag-anddrop and Java Swing MDI (Multiple Document Interface) technologies, as well as XML as its standard interchange format. The tool supports CN modeling, simulation, and 3D animation for hybrid systems. Furthermore, it provides support for top-down design, middle-out design, and bottom-up design where the module bean can be reused anywhere in any other CN model, saving designers time and effort.

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