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Model Construction Focus Area Summary

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Model Construction Task Objective & Systems Modeling Environment Scope

ngsme-mc_graphic.jpg

Graphics in PDF format: model_construction_graphic_rev_b.pdf

Graphics in PDF format: pdf_model_construction_concept_graphic.pdf

Graphics in PPT format:model_construction_concept_2017-03-08-b.pptx

Model Construction Systems Modeling Environment Scope

The SME (Systems Modeling Environment) Model Construction Capability will enable intuitive and efficient model construction including,

Model Construction Services Requirements


Current


March, 2017 - SysML 2.0 Model Construction RFP Requirements (updated based on the March 2017 Reston workshop audience feedback)

May 2017 Model Construction Requiremnts Document

Some of the feedback included.

Action: Ron to update model construction service requirements with pre and post conditions. Send requirements to Geoffrey Biggs and Andy Ko for review.

1. Model Construction Functional Requirements for the Systems Modeling Environment (SME)

2. Model Construction Service Interface Requirement

3. Standard Modeling Languages

4. Model Construction Concept Definitions



December, 2016

 SME Model Construction Interfaces

Model Construction Service Specifications

SME Access Point Service Description Inputs Input Types Output Output Types In Out
Model Editor, External Interface createModel Creates a SysML model based on a set of ModelElement descriptors Set of ModelElement Descriptors Descriptor Link to the Model ModelLink In
Mode lEditor, External Interface createModelElement Creates a SysML ModelElement based on a ModelElement description (the model element can be a node or a relationship ModelElement Descriptor Descriptor Link to the Model Element ModelLink In
Model Editor, External Interface createProject Creates a new SysML project as a collection of SysML models Project Descriptor Descriptor Link to the Project ModelLink In
Model Editor, External Interface createPattern Creates a new SysML Pattern as a sub model (ie. model elements and relationships) Pattern Descriptor Descriptor Link to Pattern ModeLink In
Model Editor, External Interface createLibrary Create a new SysML model library. Library Descriptor Descriptor Link to Library ModeLink In
Model Editor, External Interface createVariationPoint Create a new VariationPoint. VariationPoint Descriptor Descriptor Link to VariationPoint ModeLink In
Model Editor, External Interface createVariation Create a new Variation Variation Descriptor Descriptor Link to Variation ModeLink In
Model Editor, External Interface createConfiguration Create a new Configuration Set of Variation Descriptors Set of Descriptors Link to Configuration ModelLink In
Model Editor, External Interface createVariationConstraint Create a new VariationConstraint VariationConstraint Descriptor Descriptor Link to VariationConstraint ModeLink In
Model Editor, External Interface createView Create a new View View Descriptor Descriptor Link to View ModeLink In
Model Editor, External Interface createViewpoint Create a new Viewpoint Viewpoint Descriptor Descriptor Link to Viewpoint ModeLink In
Model Editor, External Interface delete*FromModel Delete any * (created element(s)) from the model and project Links to model element Set of ModelLink Boolean return (0==failure, 1==success) Boolean In
Model Editor, External Interface remove*FromDiagram Remove any * (created element(s)) from a diagram Links to diagram and model element(s) Set of ModelLink Boolean return (0==failure, 1==success) Boolean In
Model Editor, External Interface update* Update the features (e.g. attributes, operations, parts, constraints and/or relationships) of an existing model element. Link to model element and Set of model element descriptors ModelLink, Set of Descriptors Link to Model Element ModelLink In
Model Editor, External Interface updateAdd* Update the referenced model element by adding new features Link to model element and Set of model element descriptors ModelLink, Set of Descriptors Link to Model Element ModelLink In
Model Editor, External Interface updateDelete* Delete the features of a referenced model element. Link to model element and Set of model element descriptors ModelLink, Set of Descriptors Link to Model Element ModelLink In
Concept Name Description
ModelElement Defined in Concept Model as any generic SysML model element including (Diagram, Block, ConstraintBlock, InterfaceBlock, Part, Activity, Action, State, Port, Pin, Association, Dependency, etc.…)
Model A complete and consistent set of Model elements
Project A collection of SysML models, libraries, profiles, etc. That can be persisted (e.g. in the file system, repository, library, etc.)
Descriptor (Primitive) A collection of name / value pairings that fully describes a concept from the Concept Model (e.g. type: Block, name: myBlock, description: myDescription, etc.)
Set (Primitive) A collection of descriptors (e.g. Set: (setName: mySet; (Model Descriptor), (Model Descriptor), (Model Descriptor),…) )
ModelLink A UUID/URL reference that can be used to access a model (as a collection of model elements) or individual model elements
Create Creation of a new concept in SysML via two access points: Model Editor (assumes visualization mechanism to capture the “Descriptor” information and feed to the service interface and External Interface (assumes a service API that provides the “Descriptor” information as a collection of attribut/value pairs.
Update
Delete


Previous

Update (September, 2016)

Model Construction Functional Requirements Summary

The next-generation modeling language and tools shall

Model Construction Measures of Effectiveness

Model Construction -- Working Definitions of Intuitive and Efficient

Efficient

Source: http://www.uxdesignedge.com/2010/06/intuitive-ui-what-the-heck-is-it/

Definition: A UI is efficient when users are enabled to perform an action with a minimum amount of effort

A UI is efficient when it has an appropriate combination of:

Intuitive

Source: http://www.uxdesignedge.com/2010/06/intuitive-ui-what-the-heck-is-it/

Definition: A UI is intuitive when users understand its behavior and effect without use of reason, experimentation, assistance, or special training.

A UI is intuitive when it has an appropriate combination of:

Previous Update (June, 2016)

Model Construction OMG Orlando June 2016 Update

Change Scenario Example - Model Construction Focus


Previous Update Feedback (March, 2016)



Model Construction - Practical Illustration Use Cases

Model Construction - Batch Mode

Model Construction - Relating Methodology/Workflow

See the Workflow Wiki page at: Collaboration & Workflow Working Group

Model Construction - Textual Input

Additional Summary Material

Model Construction Context

The context for the model construction use cases and services is highlighted in the following conceptual architecture for the Systems Modeling Environment (SME).

The construction of a systems model can be initiated in three basic ways: i) via a “rich” model editor client, ii) via a “web” model editor client or iii) via an external interface mechanism including programmatic (e.g. via a programming language graph representation), tabular input (e.g. MS Excel), graphics (e.g. MS Visio or PowerPoint) or textual (e.g. text document). The task of construction a system model ranges from being a purely manual process to a semi-automated process that loads the external representation of the model content, parses through the external description, transforms the description based on the System Model's concept model and/or metamodel and finally provides a visualization of the resulting model (in both textual and graphical representations.).

SysML v1.x limitations for Model Construction

Use Cases - Model Construction

Lifecycle Phase: Meta Concept Development

UseCase ModelElements SourceData Tool Interoperability
Create/Update Viewpoint Definitions Viewpoint ISO and IEEE definitions TBD
Create/Update View Definitions View, Query, Model Reference ISO and IEEE definitions TBD
Create/Update Pattern Definitions Model, Model Dependency, Pattern TBD TBD
Create/Update Model Library Definitions Model, Library, Reference, ISO and IEEE definitions TBD
Create/Update User Role Definitions User, Role, AccessControl TBD TBD

Lifecycle Phase: Concept Development

UseCase ModelElements SourceData Tool Interoperability
Create/Update Capability Definitions Capability DoD: Capability Definition Document MS Office, Adobe PDF
Create/Update Capability Dependencies Capability, Sequence, Association, Mission, Policy, Vision, Objective DoD: Capability Definition Document MS Office, Adobe PDF

Lifecycle Phase: Requirements Analysis

UseCase ModelElements SourceData Tool Interoperability
Import Requirement Objects Requirement, Association DoD: System Requirements Document, System/Subsystem Requirements Document MS Office, Adobe PDF, DOORS, RequisitePro
Link Requirement Objects Requirement, Association, ExternalLink Model, External Requirements Repository DOORS, RequisitePro

Lifecycle Phase: Architecture Refinement

UseCase ModelElements SourceData Tool Interoperability
Create System Architecture Structure Context, System, Subsystem, Resource, Exchange, Association DoD: DoDAF System/Services Viewpoint MS Office, Adobe PDF
Create System Architecture Behaviors Task, Process, Function, State, Message DoD: System/Subsystem Design Document MS Office, Adobe PDF
Create System Architecture Constraints Doctrine, Tactic, Technique, Procedure, Law DoD: DOTMLPF MS Office, Adobe PDF

Lifecycle Phase: System Design

UseCase ModelElements SourceData Tool Interoperability
Create System Design Structure Context, Component, Resource, Exchange, Association DoD: System/Subsystem Design Document MS Office, Adobe PDF
Create System Design Behaviors Task, Process, Function, State, Message DoD: System/Subsystem Design Document MS Office, Adobe PDF
Create System Design Constraints Design Rules DoD: Standards MS Office, Adobe PDF

Lifecycle Phase: Analysis of Alternatives

UseCase ModelElements SourceData Tool Interoperability
Create/Update AoA Definitions AoA DoD: AoA Definition Document MS Office, Adobe PDF

Lifecycle Phase: Quality Attribute Assessment

UseCase ModelElements SourceData Tool Interoperability
Create/Update Quality Attribute Definitions QA DoD: Quality Definition Document MS Office, Adobe PDF

Lifecycle Phase: Performance Assessment

UseCase ModelElements SourceData Tool Interoperability
Create/Update KPP, TPM, CPM Definitions TPM, CPM, KPP DoD: Performance Definition Document MS Office, Adobe PDF

Lifecycle Phase: IV&V

UseCase ModelElements SourceData Tool Interoperability
Create/Update Test Case Definitions TestCase DoD: IV&V Specifications MS Office, Adobe PDF

Lifecycle Phase: Transition to Development Disciplines

UseCase ModelElements SourceData Tool Interoperability
Create/Update Software Architecture Definitions SoftwareArchitecture DoD: Software Requirements Specification MS Office, Adobe PDF
Create/Update Hardware Architecture Definitions HardwareArchitecture DoD: Software Requirements Specification MS Office, Adobe PDF

SECM Concepts relevant to Model Construction Service Data Types

SECM Concept Definitions Snapshot (1/28/2016)

Model Construction Relevant Concepts (Structure):

Name Documentation
ComponentA constituent part of an element or system that contributes to the properties and behaviors of the whole (emergent). Note: A leaf component does not have constituent parts.
DataA component of information.
Data typeRefer to UML specification
DomainA scope that encompasses a set of entities and relationships that may be addressed by the model.
ElementAnything of interest to the modeler, which is uniquely identifiable and can be characterized by a set of properties.
EnvironmentA collection of systems and elements that interact either directly or indirectly with the system of interest.
InstanceA unique model element in a set that iis defined by the general features of its classifier.
InterfaceThe inputs, outputs, ports, connections, connecting components (i.e. harness), and associated information that support one or more interactions between systems. Note: The UML definition of interface also includes the operations that must be performed in response to the inputs or invocations.
MissionThe operational context and purpose that the system is intended to support.
Model (graphical, visual)A representation of something of interest that includes notation and semantics.
Model elementA construct that is used to build a model.
Model interchangeThe ability to exchange model information.
Model viewA subset of model elements and associated relationships, that are of use to the modeler for a particular purpose and context.
NodeA component of a system that provides resources to support execution.
PortThe part of a system or component that provides access between a system’s behaviors and properties, and its environment. Note: this is sometimes referred to as an interaction point.
ResourceAny element that is needed for the execution of a function.
RoleRefer to System role
SoftwareA component of a system that specifies instructions which are executed by a computer.
StakeholderIndividuals, groups, and/or institutions which may be impacted by the system throughout its life cycle, including acquisition, development, production, deployment, operations, support, and disposal.
SubsystemA logical or physical partitioning of a system.
SystemAn element, with structure, that exhibits observable properties and behaviors.
System contextA depiction of the inputs and outputs between a system and its environment.
System roleA subset of its behaviors, properties, and structure. Note: The subset may be associated with specific interactions.

Model Construction Relevant Concepts (Requirements):

Name Documentation
Performance requirementA performance property a system must satsify.
RequirementThe capability, behavior, structure, and/or properties that a system, component, or element must satisfy. Note: This is used to establish a contract between the customer (or stakeholder) and implementer.
Requirement attributeAn attrirbue fo a requirement, which may include its criticality or weighting, level of uncertainty, verification status, etc.

Model Construction Relevant Concepts (Parametrics):

Name Documentation
ConditionAn expression with a discrete output, which is true as long as the expression evaluates true, and is false otherwise.
Effectiveness measureA criterion for system optimization that is critcial to the success of the mission. Note: The criterion are often used to support trade studies to select among alternatives, as well as to optimize a given design.
ExpressionRefer to UML specification
Parametric modelAn analysis model which defines a set of dependent or logically grouped parametric relationships.
Performance propertyA measure of the transformation or response of a function or behavior (i.e response time, etc).
PropertyA quantifiable characteristic.
Property valueUnique state of a property.

Model Construction Relevant Concepts (Behavior):

Name Documentation
Action A non-interruptible function. Note: An action represents an atomic unit of processing or work. Actions may be continuous or discrete. Discrete actions may or may not be assumed to execute in zero time.
ActivityOne or more related actions.
BehaviorThe activation/deactivation of one or more functions. Note: This describes how a system interacts with its environment. Reactive behavior includes the stimulus and response.
ConditionAn expression with a discrete output, which is true as long as the expression evaluates true, and is false otherwise.
EventA noteworthy occurrence that occurs at the instant of time when a specified expression evaluates true.
ForkA control operator which enables all of its outputs, when the input is evaluated true.
FunctionA transformation of inputs to outputs that may include the creation, monitoring, modification or destruction of elements, or a null transformation.
Input/OutputAn element that is subject to a transformation by a function.
InteractionEmergent behavior that results from two or more dependent behaviors Note: A system or component interacts with other components its environment, to yield an emergent system behavior from the individual component behaviors .
Iteration loopA specialized loop where the loop repeats a specified number of times.
ProcessA set of inter-related functions and their corresponding inputs and outputs, which are activated and deactivated by their control inputs.
Sequential stateA state which can only be active when the other sequential states are not active.
Simple stateA state that does not have nested states.
State (finite)A condition of a system or element, as defined by some of its properties, which can enable system behaviors and/or structure to occur. Note: The enabled behavior may include no actions, such as associated with a wait state. Also, the condition that defines the state may be dependent on one or more previous states.
Test scenarioA scenario which replicates the behavior of the environment that interacts with the system under test.

Model Construction Relevant Concepts (Relationships):

Name Documentation
AssociationRefer to UML specification
ConnectionIdentification of which ports connect to one another.
DecompositionA description of a whole in terms of its component parts.
DependencyA relationship where a change to one entity results in a change to the other.
GeneralizationThe factoring of common features to characterize a more general concept.
Parametric relationshipA dependency between properties, such that a change to the value of one property impacts the value of the other property.
Requirement allocationThe assignment of a requirement to an element, component, or system.
Requirement traceabilityThe relationship between a source requirement and the derived requirements needed to satisfy the source requirement.
Requirement verificationA comparison between a requirement and the verification results that is intended to satisfy the requirement.
Spatial representationA geometrical relationship among elements.
SpecializationA classification of an entity (e.g., element, system, function, requirement, …), which specifies the common features of the more general element, and unique features of the specific element.
System hierarchyA decomposition of a system and its components.
System interconnectionThe connection between systems and between components.
TransitionResponse to events/conditions, which triggers a behavior.

Model Construction Relevant Concepts (Primitive Data Types):

Name Documentation
BooleanRefer to UML specification
Complex NumberA number which can includes a real and imaginary part.
Enumerated valueRefer to UML specification
Geometric modelA model of the geometric relationships associated with one or more elements.
IntegerA whole number
MeanThe expected value associated with a probability distirbution.
Physical propertyA physical characteristic of a system or element (i.e. weight, color).
Probability DistributionA mathematical function which defines the likelihood of a particular set of outcomes.
Real numberA number which can have any value from negative infinity to infinity.
Spatial Property?? Note: Representation of Primitive Location Types e.g. Geographic lat-log, Relative x-y-z
StringA value represented by alphanumeric characters.
Time PropertyA property of the model that represents a local or global time, which other properties may depend on. Note: The property can support continuous or discrete-time models. This variable should not be confused with the measured or computed time that an actual system uses, which depends on a number of implementation specific factors related to clocks, synchronization, etc.
VarianceA measure of the distribution about the mean of a probability distribution. Refer to the mathematical definition associated with a probability distribution.
VectorA data type, which specifies a magnitude and direction.

Services - Model Construction

System Modeling Environment

See the Interoperability Working Group Wiki Page for a complete set of Services (including Model Construction) at: Interoperability Working group

Model Construction Services Archive Page

Performance: MoE - Measures of Effectiveness

High Level Intent / Driving Requirements

Change Scenario Example - Model Construction Focus

The following Hybrid SUV Change Scenario will be used to illustrate the concept:

Vehicle design unable to meet a requirement (e.g., stopping distance, safety, stability)

Assumption:  Assume physics based analysis / simulation run:   From the design model, generate the simulation, get results, compare with original requirements 		
Model Construction:  (Services, Description)		
	(Query, Inspect design features)	Determine design features relevant to the requirement
	(Export design features)	 Export features to analysis/simulation tool
	(Import assessment)	Import assessment
	(Link assessment)	Link the assessment to the requirement and design features

Propose Requirement Change

Assumption:  Change could be functional, performance, environmental		
Model Construction:  (Services, Description)		
	(Create req variant)	Create a variant of the requirement		

Assess potential impact

Assumption:   Original requirement,  requirement dependencies  and design features are the starting point		
Model Construction:  (Services, Description)		
	(Create Temporary Working Viewpoint)	 Gather all dependent model elements into a working package  
	(Update change impact flag and note)	Determine impact on other requirements
	(Update change impact flag and note)	Determine impact on design features
		

Propose update to system design

Assumption:  Two paths to get here, i)  no requirement change  or ii) requirement change, leading indirectly to a design change.		
Model Construction:  (Services, Description)		
	(Append proposed change request)	Append proposed change requirest to relevant design features
	(Generate CM change notification)	Notify  the CCB of the proposed change
	(Query proposed change package)	CCB gathers relevant change information to assess impact
	(Approve change)	CCB approves proposed changes
	(Deny change)	CCB denies proposed changes
	(Import CCB assessment)	Import the CCB assessment to the model
	(Link assessment)	Link the CCB assessment to the requirement variant
		

Implement/update design

Assumption:  CCB approved requirement change and subsequent design change or only the design change		
Model Construction:  (Services, Description)		
	(Add new baseline requirement)	Requirement variant added to the baseline, overriding the original requirement (if needed)
	(Create design feature variant)	Update the design baseline with new design features variants to reflect the CCB approved changes
		
		

Verify system meets requirement

Assumption:   Existing test suite updated to reflect design changes		
Model Construction:  (Services, Description)		
	(Create test plan variant)	Test plan may need to be updated (assuming the plan is in the model)
	(Create test scenario variant)	Test scenarios may need to be updated (assuming the ascenarios are represented  in the model)
	(Create test procedure variant)	Test procedures may need to be updated (assuming the test procedures are represented  in the model)
	(Verify system design)	Execute any relevant system tests to ensure verification

Resources

References

DateAuthorDescriptionWeb Link
2000 Hubert Hofmann Requirements Engineering: A Situated Discovery Process http://www.amazon.com/Requirements-Engineering-Discovery-Information-IV-Controlling/dp/3824472155/
2012 Drechsler, Soeken & Wille Formal Specification Level: Towards Verification-driven Design based on Natural Language Processing http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/login.jsp?tp=&arnumber=6336984&url=http%3A%2F%2Fieeexplore.ieee.org%2Fiel5%2F6330712%2F6336975%2F06336984.pdf%3Farnumber%3D6336984
2015 Tao Yue Applying A Restricted Natural Language Based Test Case Generation Approach in An Industrial Context http://www.simula.no/publications/applying-restricted-natural-language-based-test-case-generation-approach-industrial

Documents

Construct SE Model Overview - August 2015

Formal Specification level: Towards Verfication-driven Design Based on natural Language Processing

Construct SE Model Overview - August 2015

Construct SE Model Overview - September 2015

Construct SE Model Overview - December 2015

The Model Construction Focus Area Team

Name Organization email
Ron Williamson Raytheon ron_c_williamson@raytheon.com

Ongoing Research and Product Development

Name Organization email Web Reference
Tao Yue Simula Research laboratory tao@simula.no http://www.simula.no/people/tao
Manas Bajaj InterCAX manas.bajaj@intercax.com http://intercax.com/products/syndeia/
Drechsler, Soeken & Wille University of Bremen drechsle@informatik.uni-bremen.de http://www.informatik.uni-bremen.de/cms/detail.php?id=82

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