Mapping UML into abstract state machines : a framework to simulate UML models

The paper presents a simulation framework for UML models based upon a mapping schema of UML metamodel elements into Abstract State Machines (ASMs). Structural model elements are translated into an ASM vocabulary as collections of domains and functions, whereas the dynamic view is captured by multi-agent ASMs reflecting the behavior modelled by UML state machines. In our toolkit, input UML models can be drawn using any UML CASE Tool able to produce the XMI format for diagrams. This textual representation is employed to initialize the ASM model for state machines which can be symbolically executed by AsmGofer, an advanced Abstract State Machine programming system. We present the tool through an example of simulation of a simple stack-printer UML model showing the interactions among state machines by signals exchange and operation calls.