Modelling Systems with Intangible Boundaries Using SysML: An Automotive Feature Modelling Guideline

Abstract

AbstractA lot has been published around the methodology of using SysML (Systems Modeling Language) for modelling tangible systems, i.e., systems with fixed and real boundaries. However, automotive features when observed as systems become both challenging and interesting. These features are culminations of behaviors synchronizing from various components, where none of them is fully responsible for the feature, nor can be termed as a “system” representing the feature. Through modelling several features and analyzing on what is the best way to represent such an “Intangible” system, a pattern has emerged. In this paper, we will be sharing a process involving application of SysML and a tailored framework for modelling such systems. This application can be used to accurately represent “Features” as “Systems,” defining boundaries using structure, behavior, and requirements. Using this process for modelling such systems, i.e., systems with intangible boundaries, we can completely define the scope and boundary of “system” for various analysis to develop and define such “system,” but also improve the completeness & correctness of the model and reduce the overall process time by elimination multiple iteration due to issue faced during verification and validation stages.