UML Class Diagrams Research Articles

Consistency Check between XML Schema and Class Diagram for Document Versioning

A consistency check between design and implementation is usually done in order to check the correctness of the system’ requirements. However, if the requirements are changed over time, then the document versioning occurred within the requirements. For XML Schema, document versioning exists when there is a change in the XML Schema from its previous Schema. In order to detect the versioning of both XML Schemas, consistency rules check need to be performed to both class diagrams produced by both Schemas. The consistency between two XML Schemas is checked based on transformation rules and versioning rules. Transformation rules are used for translating the XML Schema into the class diagram, and versioning rules are used for checking the existing of document changes between two XML Schemas. Once two XML Schemas are different the consistency rules will be used for the consistency check. This paper presents an approach based on transformation rules and versioning rules to check consistency between XML Schema and UML class diagram when document versioning exist. The approach is then used for the case study to show how the consistency is checked in order to detect the versioning of two different XML Schemas. Based on the case study, the approach shows that two XML Schemas can be checked for their consistency when document versioning exist.

Exploring the Effects of Extensional Versus Intensional Representations on Domain Understanding

Cognitive research suggests that understanding the semantics, or the meaning, of representations involves both ascension from concrete concepts denoting specific observations (that is, extension) to abstract concepts denoting a number of observations (that is, intension), and vice versa. Consonantly, extant conceptual schemas can encode the semantics of a domain intensionally (e.g., ER diagram, UML class diagram) or extensionally (e.g., set diagram, UML object diagram). However, prior IS research has exclusively focused on intensional representations and the role they play in aiding domain understanding. In this research, we compare the interpretational fidelity of two types of representational encoding of cardinality constraints, an intensional schema using an ER diagram and its extensional analog using a set diagram. We employ cognitive science research to conceptualize that extensional representations will enable enhanced understanding as compared with intensional representations. Further, given that prior research suggests that the semantics of cardinality constraints remain challenging to understand, we focus on mandatory and optional cardinality constraints associated with relationships in these representations. Based on our laboratory experiments, we find that understanding with an extensional representation was (1) at least as good as that with an intensional representation for mandatory cardinality constraints and (2) significantly better for optional cardinality constraints. We also conducted an applicability check of our results via focus groups and found support for the perceived significance of extensional representations in practice. Overall, this research suggests that the tradition in IS research of exclusively focusing on intensional encoding of domain semantics should be reexamined.

Rule mining in maintenance: Analysing large knowledge bases

Association rule mining is a very powerful tool for extracting knowledge from records contained in industrial databases. A difficulty is that the mining process may result in a huge set of rules that may be difficult to analyse. This problem is often addressed by an a priori filtering of the candidate rules, that does not allow the user to have access to all the potentially interesting knowledge. Another popular solution is visual mining, where visualization techniques allow to browse through the rules. We suggest in this article a different approach: generating a large number of rules as a first step, then drill-down the produced rule base using alternatively semantic analysis (based on a priori knowledge) and objective analysis (based on numerical characteristics of the rules). It will be shown on real industrial examples in the maintenance domain that UML Class Diagrams may provide an efficient support for subjective analysis, the practical management of the rules (display, sorting and filtering) being insured by a classical Spreadsheet.

Fractional weightage based objective function to a hybrid optimization algorithm for model transformation

Model transformation (MT) contributes a major role in the model-driven engineering (MDE), which are used to transfer the models among various languages to refactor and simulate the models or to obtain the useful codes from the models. Thus, the need for MT in MDE is very important, but the practical methods are not suitable for the detection of errors in transformations. This paper proposes an advanced algorithm, called fractional whale optimization integrated adaptive dragonfly (F-WOADF) algorithm to perform the MT from the class diagram (CLD) to relational schema (RS) model. The proposed algorithm modifies the adaptive dragonfly (ADF) algorithm with the concept of whale optimization algorithm (WOA) using the fractional theory. The UML CLD is transformed into the RS model using the optimal blocks that are selected with the use of the proposed algorithm. The performance of the F-WOADF method is evaluated using automatic correctness (AC), and fitness measure. The proposed method produces the maximum AC of 0.8583 and the maximum fitness measure of 0.8984 that indicates the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Generating Requirement Dependency Graph Based on Class Dependency

A set of software requirements is an important element in software development. Engineers realize that requirements are interrelated. The interconnections between requirements indicate interdependences between requirements. This interdependence is crucial in decision-making processes of requirement engineering, such as a change management requirement, a version launch plan, and a requirement management. Researchers have been focused on visualizing dependency between requirements, analyzing the impact of changes in software by using changes to UML class diagrams, and predicting bug occurrences based on dependencies between requirements. Previous studies assumed that the requirements dependency information was pre-build by requirements engineer during the previous development process. This paper introduces a method that builds a requirements dependency model. The model was built based on realization associations between requirements and classes in the system design as well as dependencies between classes. The modeling process used semantic similarities between the requirements and the classes. A class is said to have a realization association with a requirement if and only if the semantic similarity is higher than a certain threshold. The output obtained from the dependent software development method was compared with the output produced by annotators. The method reliability was measured by the level of agreement between the method and the annotator using kappa statistical index. The preliminary result shows that the method was fair agreement (0.37) reliable as an annotator when generating requirements dependency graph.

RETUSS: Ensuring Traceability System between Class Diagram in UML and Java Source Code in Real Time

Ensuring of the traceability of deliverables is one of effective methods to secure the quality of software. It can verify that the requirements are reflected in the programs. But it has two problems: taking much labor and time, and causing mistakes by human handling. This paper has implemented RETUSS (Real-time Ensure Traceability between UML and Source-code System) in order to solve the above two problems. RETUSS can ensure traceability between Class diagram in UML and Java source code in real time.

$$\hbox {OCL}_\textsf {FO}$$ OCL FO : first-order expressive OCL constraints for efficient integrity checking

OCL is the standard language for defining constraints in UML class diagrams. Unfortunately, as we show in this paper, full OCL is so expressive that it is not possible to check general OCL constraints efficiently. In particular, we show that checking general OCL constraints is not only not polynomial, but not even semidecidable. To overcome this situation, we identify $$\hbox {OCL}_\textsf {FO}$$ , a fragment of OCL which is expressively equivalent to relational algebra (RA). By equivalent we mean that any $$\hbox {OCL}_\textsf {FO}$$ constraint can be checked through a RA query (which guarantees that $$\hbox {OCL}_\textsf {FO}$$ checking is efficient, i.e., polynomial), and any RA query encoding some constraint can be written as an $$\hbox {OCL}_\textsf {FO}$$ constraint (which guarantees expressiveness of $$\hbox {OCL}_\textsf {FO}$$ ). In this paper we define the syntax of $$\hbox {OCL}_\textsf {FO}$$ , we concisely determine its semantics through set theory, and we prove its equivalence to RA. Additionally, we identify the core of this language, i.e., a minimal subset of $$\hbox {OCL}_\textsf {FO}$$ equivalent to RA.

An Ameliorated Approach to Represent UML Class Diagram in the Table Format

An Ameliorated Approach to Represent UML Class Diagram in the Table Format

Research and software development using AR technology

The paper considers programs and devices of augmented reality, examines the general environments and methods of software development and the rationale for their selection. The work describes in detail the operating principle of the software, the pattern recognition algorithm, the UML class diagram, the UML usage diagram, and the architecture of the 3D rendering engine and a description of its operation. An example of practical application of software with pattern recognition is offered. The paper examines the impact of virtual reality on human health, as well as the problem of assimilation of educational material in preschool education. To solve the problem, various algorithms for the program are proposed. Based on the conducted studies, it was decided to create the software for the experiment on the basis of developed algorithms for preschool education. The results of the work can be used for further research in the field of expanded reality, for new developments in this field and improvement of the quality of education.

Detecting Meta-Patterns from Frameworks Using Hybrid Genetic Algorithm

Meta-patterns are a sort of basic object-oriented constructs that have been used to design an object-oriented framework. It has been used to precisely describe possible design pattern of a framework at meta-level to manifest framework hot-spots and its corresponding adaptability. The present study is an attempt to develop a genetic algorithm approach for detecting the types and numbers of meta-patterns. For this purpose we have converted the UML class diagram of object-oriented framework and meta-patterns into directed graph and applied hybrid genetic algorithm. The obtained results from the proposed algorithm are further validated manually with the recall and precision percentage of 86.20 and 80.64 respectively. Overall the study demonstrates the utility of the uniquely proposed algorithm for the near accurate identification of meta-patterns for high reusability. This can be applied on frameworks for assessing the evolution process, documentation of hot-spots and reducing the customization effort.

An experiment in model-driven conceptual database design

The article presents the results of an experiment we conducted with database professionals in order to evaluate an approach to automatic design of the initial conceptual database model based on collaborative business process models. The source business process model is represented by BPMN, while the target conceptual model is represented by the UML class diagram. The results confirm those already obtained in a case-study-based evaluation, as well as those of an earlier controlled experiment conducted with undergraduate students. The evaluation implies that the proposed approach and implemented generator enable automatic generation of the target conceptual model with a high percentage of completeness and precision. The experiment also confirms that the automatically generated model can be efficiently used as a starting point for manual design of the target model, since it significantly shortens the estimated efforts and actual time spent to obtain the target model in contrast to the manual design from scratch.

Model Driven Development of Order Management Module for Software Visual Automation Service

This paper studies the application of model driven development technology in the development of order management module of visual automatic service. In view of the disadvantages of traditional software, such as low productivity, poor portability and difficult maintenance to the system, Model Driven Architecture (MDA) emerges as the times require. MDA can well overcome the drawbacks of the traditional software development described above. Platform, Independent, Model, Platform, Specific, Model, and code are the core of MDA. The method uses the use case diagram, class diagram and process blueprint of UML as the modeling language for the analysis and design of the system. This approach provides the basis for creating and transforming models in the system and generating code. The development experience shows that the model driven development technology adopted in this paper can effectively improve the efficiency of development and improve the system's maintainability and other major quality characteristics.

Checking Consistency between UML Class and State Models Based on CSP and B

The B Abstract Machine Notation (AMN) and the notation of Commu- nicating Sequential Processes (CSP) have previously been applied to formalise the UML class and state diagrams, respectively. This paper discusses their integrated use in checking the consistency between the two kinds of UML diagrams based on some recent results of research in integrated formal methods. Through a small information system example, the paper illustrates a clear-cut separation of concerns in employing the two formal methods. Of particular interest is the treatment of recursive calls within a single class of objects.

XRTSDIC: model transformation from PIM to PSM

Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) has been growing faster in software industry. As part of it Model Driven Engineering (MDE) has been around for focusing on models and transforming them from one model to other model. The tool named Extensible Real Time Software Design Inconsistency Checker (XRTSDIC) proposed by us in previous paper supports UML modelling, design inconsistency checking and model transformation from UML to ERD to SQL. In this paper it is extended further to facilitate model transformation from PIM (UML class diagram) to PSM (source code). We proposed an algorithm and defined model transformation and consistency rules. The extended framework has provision for class relationship analysis and support for choosing different object oriented languages like C#, C++ and Java. While transforming the model, we used the concept of dialects. Dialect is the class with transformation functionality which has ability to adapt to syntax and semantics of chosen language. Different dialects are made available for different languages. Thus the proposed system is capable of transforming models and the prototype application we built and extended demonstrates the proof of concept. The empirical results revealed that the model transformation is consistent and accurate.

Implementation of RETUSS to Ensure Traceability between Class Diagram in UML and Java Source Code in Real Time

Implementation of RETUSS to Ensure Traceability between Class Diagram in UML and Java Source Code in Real Time

Example-driven modeling: on effects of using examples on structural model comprehension, what makes them useful, and how to create them

We present a controlled experiment for the empirical evaluation of example-driven modeling (EDM), an approach that systematically uses examples for model comprehension and domain knowledge transfer. We conducted the experiment with 26 graduate (Masters and Ph.D. level) and undergraduate (Bachelor level) students from electrical and computer engineering, computer science, and software engineering programs at the University of Waterloo. The experiment involves a domain model, with UML class diagrams representing the domain abstractions and UML object diagrams representing examples of using these abstractions. The goal is to provide empirical evidence of the effects of suitable examples on model comprehension, compared to having model abstractions only, by having the participants perform model comprehension tasks. Our results show that EDM is superior to having model abstractions only, with an improvement of 39% for diagram completeness, 33% for questions completeness, 71% for efficiency, and a reduction in the number of mistakes by 80%. We provide qualitative results showing that participants receiving model abstractions augmented with examples experienced lower perceived difficulty in performing the comprehension tasks, higher perceived confidence in their tasks’ solutions, and asked 90% fewer clarifying domain questions. We also present participants’ feedback regarding the usefulness of the provided examples, their number and types, as well as the use of partial examples. We present a taxonomy of the different types of examples, explain their significance, and propose guidelines for manual and automatic creation of useful examples.

Agent-Based Regression Test Case Generation using Class Diagram, Use cases and Activity Diagram

In Regression testing, test case generation is a process of generating test cases from the existing test suite to ensure that modifications made in the system have not affected its existing functionality. The use of modeling based UML class diagram identifies changes at syntax level, whereas use cases and activity diagram identify changes at semantic level. In this research, we have used the combination of UML class diagram, use cases and activity diagram to identify changes at both syntax and semantics level. We compared UML class diagrams, use cases and activity diagrams of old and modified code to identify these changes. It is found that the use of UML class diagram, use cases and activity diagram results in better identification of changes and hence leads to efficient test case generation. Additionally, agents developed in Java Agent Development Environment are used to collect these changes from different stake holders in the distributed environment. The distribution of testing tasks among mobile agents reduces the average time required for generation of test cases in regression testing.

COMPLEX SOFTWARE FORCOLLECTION AND VISUALIZATION OF SOFTWARE DEFECTS STATISTICS

In the article the data requirements for construction of the reliability model of the software system are considered. Using UML class diagrams, we describe the processes of collecting, analyzing and visual representation of information on the number of defects registered on projects. The developed software package, based on the requirements, will provide the opportunity to conduct further research on the simulation of the reliability of software systems, taking into account the number of defects and the time of their registration in accordance with the duration of the project. It is planned to carry out a detailed analysis of the collected data in order to determine the patterns of dependence of the number of defects on the various project characteristics (complexity of the architecture, duration of the project, number of testers, number of developers). Most software system reliability models use a limited (not complete) number of project characteristics that affect the reliability of the software, so it is planned to analyze the existing software product reliability models and verify them on the collected data in order to determine the additional characteristics of the project, which is needed, but take into account for modeling the reliability of a software product

Multi-Domain Semantic Information and Physical Behavior Modeling of Power Systems and Gas Turbines Expanding the Common Information Model

Due to the rapid increase of intermittent energy resources (IERs), there is a need to have dispatchable production available to ensure secure operation and increase opportunity for energy system flexibility. Gas turbine-based power plants offer flexible operation that is being improved with new technology advancements. Those plants provide, in general, quick start together with significant ramping capability, which can be exploited to balance IERs. Consequently, to understand the potential source of flexibility, better models for gas turbines are required for power system studies and analysis. In this paper, both the required semantic information and physical behavior models of such multi-domain systems are considered. First, UML class diagrams and RDF schemas based on the common information model standards are used to describe the semantic information of the electrical power grid. An extension that exploits the ISO 15926 standard is proposed herein to derive the multi-domain semantics required by integrated electrical power grid with detailed gas turbine dynamic models. Second, the Modelica language is employed to create the equation-based models, which represent the behavior of a multi-domain physical system. A comparative simulation analysis between the power system domain model and the multi-domain model has been performed. Some differences between the turbine dynamics representation of the commonly used GGOV1 standard model and a more detailed gas turbine model are shown.

Detecting Design Level Anti-patterns; Structure and Semantics in UML Class Diagrams

Detecting Design Level Anti-patterns; Structure and Semantics in UML Class Diagrams