Model Driven Architecture Concepts Research Articles

A MBSE Application to Controllers of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Based on Model-Driven Architecture Concepts

In this paper, a hybrid realization model is proposed for the controllers of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). This model is based on the model-based systems engineering (MBSE) methodology, in combination with the model-driven architecture (MDA), the real-time unified modeling language (UML)/systems modeling language (SysML), the extended/unscented Kalman filter (EKF/UKF) algorithms, and hybrid automata, and it can be reused for designing controllers of various AUV types. The dynamic model and control structure of AUVs were combined with the specialization of MDA concepts as follows. The computation-independent model (CIM) was specified by the use-case model combined with the EKF/UKF algorithms and hybrid automata to intensively gather the control requirements. Then, the platform-independent model (PIM) was specialized using the real-time UML/SysML to design the capsule collaboration of control and its connections. The detailed PIM was subsequently converted into the platform-specific model (PSM) using open-source platforms to promptly realize the AUV controller. On the basis of the proposed hybrid model, a planar trajectory-tracking controller, which allows a miniature torpedo-shaped AUV to autonomously track the desired planar trajectory, was implemented and evaluated, and shown to have good feasibility.

An integrated framework for automated simulation of SysML models using DEVS

System models are constructed to design, study, and understand complex systems. According to the systems modeling language (SysML) that is a standard for model-based system engineering, all engineering activities should be performed using a common model. To validate complex system models defined in SysML, simulation is usually employed. There are numerous efforts to simulate SysML models using different simulation methods and tools. However, the efficient support of automated generation of executable simulation code is still an issue tangled by the research community. This paper introduces DEVSys, an integrated framework for utilizing existing SysML models and automatically producing executable discrete event simulation code, according to model driven architecture (MDA) concepts. Although this approach is not simulation-specific, discrete event system specification (DEVS) was employed, due to the similarities between SysML and DEVS, mainly in system structure description, and the mature, yet ongoing research on expressing executable DEVS models in a simulator-neutral manner. DEVSys framework elements include (a) a SysML profile for DEVS, enabling integration of simulation capabilities into SysML models, (b) a meta-model for DEVS, allowing the utilization of MDA concepts and tools, (c) a transformation of SysML models to DEVS models, using a standard model transformation language as query/view/transform (QVT), and (d) the generation of DEVS executable code for a DEVS simulation environment with an extensible markup language (XML) interface. The definition and implementation of DEVSys elements, as well as the process for its application are demonstrated and discussed, with the aid of a simple working example.

Automating test-based inspection of design models

Software design is usually a highly creative and error-prone activity even if supported by patterns within a given domain. Therefore, inspection techniques are often needed to validate design models so that defects are not propagated to code and tests. However, traditional inspection techniques often focus on structural aspects of models, leaving behavior validation for testing that is performed later. Guided inspections combine both traditional inspection activities and testing to bring in the testing perspective earlier in the development process in order to more effectively uncover omission and nonconformity. This paper presents an automated solution, based on model-driven architecture concepts and technology, to the guided inspection technique focusing on Unified Modeling Language models. The automated technique, as observed from 3 case studies, can be reasonably effective to uncover defects of different types.

Transformation of UML class diagram to internal java domain-specific language

Abstract - the article addresses the existing problems found in the area of Domain-Specific Languages (DSLs). Being a widely adopted programming technique, DSL grammar creation process still lacks desirable traceability and automation. The paper proposes a sequential model transformation process based on Model-Driven Architecture concepts as one of the potential solutions to stated problem. One of the main results of the research work is the implementation of prototype of the full-cycle model transformation chain starting from the UML domainmodel and ending with internal Java-based DSL grammar implementation.