Common Modeling Language Research Articles

From Compositional Petri Net Modeling to Macro and Micro Simulation by Means of Stochastic Simulation and Agent-Based Models

Computational modeling has become a widespread approach for studying real-world phenomena by using different modeling perspectives, in particular, the microscopic point of view concentrates on the behavior of the single components and their interactions from which the global system evolution emerges, while the macroscopic point of view represents the system’s overall behavior abstracting as much as possible from that of the single components. The preferred point of view depends on the effort required to develop the model, on the detail level of the available information about the system to be modeled, and on the type of measures that are of interest to the modeler; each point of view may lead to a different modeling language and simulation paradigm. An approach adequate for the microscopic point of view is Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation, which has gained popularity in the last few decades but lacks a formal definition common to the different tools supporting it. This may lead to modeling mistakes and wrong interpretation of the results, especially when comparing models of the same system developed according to different points of view. The aim of the work described in this paper is to provide a common compositional modeling language from which both a macro and a micro simulation model can be automatically derived: these models are coherent by construction and may be studied through different simulation approaches and tools. A framework is thus proposed in which a model can be composed using a Petri Net formalism and then studied through both an Agent-Based Simulation and a classical Stochastic Simulation Algorithm, depending on the study goal.

Towards the Modelling of European Railway System Architecture

To master the increasing complexity of railway system, many European railway architecture initiatives are moving towards the application of Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) at overall railway system level or subsystems levels. Most of these initiatives apply the MBSE in their specific scopes. There is no common or unified MBSE methodology and related domain modelling language. Railway domain experts are usually not familiar with general-purpose modelling languages such as UML/SysML and need to collaborate with modelling experts to construct the future digital model of European railway system reference architecture. This paper presents a MBSE methodology and unified modelling language for the railway domain. The methodology is developed in LinX4Rail project, and the domain specific modelling language is used to model the preliminary description of LinX4Rail Architecture.

Verifying the Correctness of UML Statechart Outpatient Clinic Based on Common Modeling Language and SMV

Unified-modelling language (UML) is a standard general purpose modelling language, which is widely, used in system design of banking, biological, plantation and healthcare. Recently, there are many systems of healthcare are modeled using behavioral diagram such as UML statechart for design purposes. However, the behavior of healthcare statechart is rarely verified to ensure it is behaving as we needed. In software engineering, a software should be verified before it is transform to the further phases. In this paper, a statechart of outpatient clinic is verified to ensuring the correctness of its design. Therefore, to achieve our objective, we have applied Common Modeling Language (CML) and SMV model checker for verification formal system modeling and specification of property of statechart outpatient clinic. The result shows that the statechart of outpatient clinic is behave as required and the statechart is allowable to transform to the next phase.

On modeling stochastic dynamic vehicle routing problems

Operations research requires models that unambiguously define problems and support the generation and presentation of solution methodology. In the field of dynamic routing, capturing the joint evolution of complex sequential routing decisions and stochastic information is challenging, leading to a situation where rigorous methods have outpaced rigorous models and thus making it difficult for researchers to engage in rigorous science. We provide a modeling framework that strongly connects application with method and that leverages the rich body of route-based planning and optimization. As a generalization of conventional Markov decision processes (MDPs), route-based MDPs augment the state space, action space, and reward structure to include routing information. Accordingly, route-based MDPs make it conceptually easier to connect dynamic routing problems with the route-based methods typically used to solve them – construct and revise routes as new information is learned. We anticipate route-based MDPs will facilitate more scientific rigor in dynamic routing studies, provide researchers with a common modeling language, allow for better inquiry, and improve classification and description of solution methods.

Evaluating Information System Integration approaches for fixed asset management framework in Tanzania.

Abstract Information systems are developed based on different requirements and different technologies. Integration of these systems is of vital importance as they cannot work in isolation, they need to share and exchange data with other information systems. The Information Systems handle data of different types and formats’, finding a way to make them communicate is important as they need to exchange data during transactions, communication and different aspects which may require their interactions. In Tanzanian Local Government Authorities (LGAs), fixed asset data are not centralized, individual Local Government Authority stores their own data in isolation yet accountability is required through the provision of centralized storage for easy data access and easier data integration with other Information Systems in order to enhance fixed asset accountability. The study was carried out through reviewing of literature on the existing Information System integration approaches in order to identify and propose the best approach to be used in fixed asset management systems in LGA’s in Tanzania. The different approaches which are used for systems integration such as Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), Common Object Request Broker (CORBA), Common Object Model (COM) and eXtensible Markup Language (XML) were evaluated under the factors considered at the LGA. The XML was preferred over SOA, CORBA and COM because of some challenges in governance, data security, availability of expertise for support, maintenance, implementation cost, performance, compliance with government changing policies and service reliability. The proposed approach integrates data for all the Local Government Authorities at a centralized location and middleware transforms the centralized data into XML so it can easily be used by other Information Systems.

A Uniform Data Model for Representing Symbiotic Assembly Stations

In modern assembly lines, humans and robots coexist and collaborate for the execution of complex tasks. The sequence and the assignment of tasks to suitable resources, constitute a technological challenge. For the collaboration of humans and robots, in a single assembly station, a common modelling language is required. This paper examines the way that resource capabilities of both humans and robots could be described, by the same modeling language, including common attributes for the various types of resources. There is a presentation of a methodology that matches task requirements with the existing resources. The proposed methodology is tested for the generation of alternative scenarios in an industrial pilot case.

A Common Framework for Compilation Techniques Applied to Diagnosis of Linear Dynamic Systems

The systems dynamics and control engineering (FDI) and the artificial intelligence diagnosis (DX) communities have developed complementary approaches that exploit structural relations in the system model to find efficient solutions for the residual generation and residual evaluation steps in fault detection and isolation in dynamic systems. This paper compares three different structural fault diagnosis techniques, two from the DX community and one from the FDI community. To simplify our comparison, we start with bond graphs as the common system modeling language and develop a graph-based framework using temporal causal graphs as the basis for analyzing the three fault isolation approaches. This framework allows for systematic comparison of the diagnosability properties of the three algorithms. The three-tank system is used as a running example to illustrate our concepts and algorithms.

ONTOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK FOR OBJECT-ORIENTED ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

Regardless of the large number of Object-Oriented (OO) modeling languages currently being used in the Information Systems (IS) modeling process, unavailability of an OO modeling language that can be used in both the analysis and design phases disintegrates the two phases. The problem is, such disintegration can lead to a high level of missing information in the real world system from the analysis phase to the design phase. The approach of this study is to propose a framework to produce design phase models from analysis phase models using ontology based Unified Modeling Language (UML), thereby integrating the two phases. The results obtained from the porposed framework involve: a consructed language which can be used in generating the analysis phase scripts; and the development of script files based on the UML constructs at the analysis and design phases to automatically generate the UML scripts for those two phases. Since this study is a part of an ongoing research study, it can be concluded that, at the end of this study (1) both analysis and design phases would be able to integrate using a common OO modeling language (2) the manual work involved in the current analysis and design modeling would be reduced (3) the complexities and difficulties faced by the modelers (By modelers we mean the analysts and designers who are doing the analysis and design phase modeling) in using UML modeling tools would be reduced.

Common Modeling Language for Model Checkers

Problem statement: There are many different model checkers that have been developed. Each of the model checkers is based on different input languages and they are suitable for model checking different types of systems. Thus it is important for us to choose the right model checker or modeling and verifying a given system. However, moving from one model checker to another is not an easy task since we have to deal with different input languages. Approach: In order to solve the problem we propose a common modeling language that is based on UML state chart. Some translation rules for translating the model described in the common modeling language into the input languages of model checkers are also presented. Results: The result of the case study shows that our approach has been successfully applied in modeling the control system through the process of transformation and translation. Conclusion: Common modeling language can be used as a front end to help users to properly model a system before it is translated into input language of model checkers.

An ontological approach for strategic alignment: a supply chain operations reference case study

Firms cannot be competitive if their business and information technology strategies are not aligned. Yet achieving strategic alignment continues to be a major concern for business executives. A number of alignment models have been proposed in the literature. Enterprise modelling (EM) can deliver models that are understandable by all participants and formalised enough to map the Enterprise Engineering and Reengineering activities directly onto the business process execution. However, models need terms (names, verbs, etc.) to identify and describe the constructs modelled in the EM language used. To share business knowledge, a common modelling language is not sufficient. A common business language is required to share the understanding of any constructs used in the modelling language at a semantic level. The aim of this article is to present the importance of knowledge formalisation for strategic alignment. Our work is based on knowledge contained in a well-known reference model for supply chain: Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model. To analyse this knowledge, we transform this model into ontology. Finally, we will explore the respective advantages of the different representations of SCOR model (original text, using a business modelling language, ontology), and more generally, the contribution of ontologies as they are becoming a major issue in business modelling.

Mind Meld: Collaborative Approaches to Understanding How We All Think

Brain research is as complex as its subject. The myriad of behavioral, imaging, physiological, and neuropsychological disciplines each give very different perspectives of the working of the human brain. While collaborative approaches can drive insightful outcomes, collaboration is time-consuming, demanding and often not “perfect”. The future challenges lie in understanding how brain, function and mind relate to one another. This will require the different disciplines learning to understand each other’s languages and perspective, and recognizing and integrating the different ways of thinking that each use. Here, we outline a discussion framework through which collaborators can achieve a common understanding of the variables included in their experiments. Logical mapping of brain, mind and function can be accomplished through use of a common modeling language where variables are pre-defined in an agreed manner.

Knowledge and software modeling using UML

Ontology can be considered as a comprehensive knowledge model which enables the developer to practice knowledge, instead of code, reuse. In the development of knowledge-based systems, different modeling languages are employed at different stages of the development process. By using a common modeling language for the knowledge and software models, knowledge instead of software reuse can be achieved. We illustrate the process by first presenting an ontology developed for an industrial domain and then investigate Unified Modeling Language (UML) as an ontology modeling tool. Since any model expressed in UML can be translated into a software model, the transition from the knowledge model to system implementation is better supported with the proposed approach. The industrial domain of selecting a remediation technique for petroleum contaminated sites is adopted for the illustration case study.

3.4.1 Traceability: A Systems Integration Perspective

AbstractIt has been argued previously that system integration requires a controlled environment, which in turn demands a number of integration and management undertakings (Sage & Lynch, 1998). This paper considers one such undertaking, information integration and management, and in particular, means of managing and tracking information across disjoint CASE tools.A taxonomy is proposed that defines a conceptual framework for traceability in a systems integration context. The framework is realised by exporting information from the internal models of tools to an integrated environment consisting of: i) a Workspace comprising a set of structures or meta‐models expressed in a common modelling language representing selected notations for which tool support exists; ii) well‐formedness constraints over these structures capturing properties of the notations; and iii) associations between the structures. To maintain consistency, the structures are verified against a further structure that defines common building blocks underlying the various notations.

Graph data management for molecular biology.

IT IS OUR VIEW that labeled directed graph data models (simple, nested, or hypergraphs) can naturally and usefully capture a wide variety of biological data and queries. We believe that development of general purpose graph data management systems (GDMSs) could become major platforms for development of a wide variety of bioinformatics database systems spanning applications from DNA sequences, chemical structure graphs, to contact graphs and biopathways. The use of a common data model and query language across numerous biological applications is very attractive from both a development and user standpoint. Considerable research and development effort are still required to extend current systems to meet modern requirements.

FORMALIZATION OF OBJECT BEHAVIOR AND INTERACTIONS FROM UML MODELS

UML, being the industry standard as a common OO modeling language, needs a well-defined semantic base for its notation. Formalization of the graphical notation enables automated processing and analysis tasks. This paper describes a methodology for synthesis of a Petri net model from UML diagrams. The approach is based on deriving Object Net Models from UML statechart diagrams and connecting these object models based on UML collaboration diagram information. The resulting system-level Petri net model can be used as a foundation for formal Petri net analysis and simulation techniques. The methodology is illustrated on some small examples and a larger case study. The case study reveals some unexpected invalid system-state situations.

CIMOSA modelling processes

Engineering, integrating and managing complex enterprises requires the understanding, and the ability to partition and simplify their operational complexity. Enterprise modelling supports these requirements by providing means for describing process oriented systems and decomposing those into manageable pieces. However, enterprise modelling requires both a common modelling language and a sufficient modelling methodology. The language provides for common understanding on enterprise models across the industrial community. Modelling methodologies will guide users through the rather complex enterprise modelling tasks. Depending on the skills and the tasks of the modelling person, different methodologies will be implemented in the supporting modelling tool. The paper presents both a methodology for the modelling expert and one for the business user. Whereas the modelling expert will be involved in creating new models, structuring the model contents and developing new modelling components, the business user will use process models for decision support. The latter therefore has a need to modify and adapt enterprise models to represent operational alternatives. A methodology for this type of work has to be based on menus. Menus which are created and maintained by the modelling expert. The business user will mostly work with existing process models. He will evaluate process alternatives and will implement the best solution as the new model of his tasks. This mode of operation will thereby provide for automatic update of the models and will keep the models in sync with the changing reality.

Presentation and exchange of business models with CIMOSA-XML

In the modern competitive business world there is a frequent need for enterprises to modify their structure of business processes to become more effective in the market place. The solution to this management demand is an improved business integration which is only successful when it is supported by effective IT systems. The Esprit project PRIMA aims to create a competitive advantage for European companies in the process sector by providing a route to `smarter' IT investments that are effective across the whole enterprise. A process repository which will store business process models in suitable formats would provide users with appropriate views of the models, focusing only on their information needs. However, the existence of many incompatible modelling methodologies and tools makes it impossible to unify the modelling approach. Therefore it would be desirable to have a high level common modelling language. The PRIMA project has identified CIMOSA as the basis for common semantics of the business model language and the XML format, as a suitable format for the transfer of the model structure and content. The PRIMA working group, in an effort to elaborate these concepts, has developed the Document Type Definition concept (DTD) of the CIMOSA-XML meta-model, which can be used to build the partial enterprise models related to the Business Functional Requirements (BFR) of the PRIMA Process Methodology.

The CIMOSA business modelling process

Integrating and managing complex enterprises requires understanding, partitioning and simplification of the complexity. Enterprise modelling supports these requirements by providing means for describing process oriented systems and decomposing them into manageable parts. However, enterprise modelling requires both a common modelling language and a methodology. The language provides common understanding on enterprise models across the industrial community. User guidance through these rather complex enterprise modelling tasks is provided by a modelling methodology. The presented methodology, the CIMOSA Business Modelling Process, follows the enterprise system life cycle starting with requirements definition, followed by design specification and ending with the description of the implemented operational system. However, in addition to this top-down approach, bottom-up and iterative modelling are both supported as well. This paper describes the CIMOSA Business Modelling Process as defined by the ESPRIT Consortium AMICE. Additionally, a graphical representation of the process flow is provided and the process is illustrated using examples from a pilot implementation at the FIAT Auto Division. CIMOSA has been developed by the ESPRIT Consortium AMICE as a pre-normative modelling language for enterprise modelling. Enterprise models may be used not only in decision support for evaluation of alternative solutions in enterprise operations, but also for directly driving operation control and monitoring. Therefore, enterprise modelling is complemented by an Integrated Infrastructure which supports the execution of enterprise models.