Symbols and Rules for a Self-Explanatory Machine Model

A generic, self-explanatory model for programming devices and machines is presented. The machine model defines both the structural composition and its behavior using a set of four visual languages. In this paper, the basic symbols for the four languages are presented. The symbols are positioned according to predefined layout rules to specify the machine features. Each symbol is designed to represent its meaning as directly as possible. The underlying data structure of the machine model is also described. The model can be used to acquire knowledge related to machine development and be reused by enthusiasts and students.