Fundamental to the design of visual languages are the goals of facilitating communication between people and computers, and between people and other people. The Object Block Programming Environment (OBPE) is a visual design, programming, and simulation tool which emphasizes support for both human-human and humancomputer communication. OBPE provides several features to support effective communication: (1) multiple, coordinated views and aspects, (2) customizable graphics, (3) the "machines with push-buttons" metaphor, and (4) the host/transient pattern. OBPE uses a diagram-based, visual object-oriented language that is intended for quickly designing and programming visual simulations of factories.
Jason E. Robbins, David J. Morley, David F. Redmil