2.2.2 Maintaining Emergence in Systems of Systems Integration: a Contractual Approach using SysML

Abstract

Abstract. This paper describes a pilot study in the use of model-based techniques in system of systems (SoS) engineering. The focus is on the derivation of specifications for new constituent systems that are to be integrated with an existing SoS. The pilot study is based on a commercial application in the home audio/video domain and illustrates the application of architectural modeling guidelines to the description of a content-streaming SoS using SysML and the formal COMPASS Modeling Language (CML). Analysis of the models leads to the derivation of a specification sufficient for constituent systems to guarantee a key leader election property of the SoS.

SysML contracts for systems of systems

“…It is important to note, however, that the pattern is notation agnostic -it does not require that the views defined in the profile should be given using SysML. The Contract Pattern extends the informal description given previously [3], and complies with views advocated by the CAFF [4].…”

“…Our approach builds on the Design by Contract (DbC) software engineering technique [9], used to constrain software operations. Previous work has considered nonfunctional properties and DbC in architectural interfaces [10], how interfaces in SysML can be translated into the formal notation COMPASS Modelling Language (CML) [8] and in [11] we proposed a method of extending SysML interface descriptions with a contractual pattern. The current work extends the pattern identified in [11] and takes a structured and rigorous approach to its formalisation.…”

“…The 2 Architectural patterns describe specific, constrained, system architectures; both in terms of structure and behaviour. 3 Enabling patterns are specific constructs of modelling elements whose combination and subsequent use enables a number of systems engineering applications. Ontology Description View provides a means of recording the ontology.…”

“…The constituent systems are free to choose the way in which they meet these contracts, as well as being free to choose the other contracts to which they adhere. The contribution of this paper is to present a definition of a contract as a SysML pattern, building on the work on contractual modelling reported in [2], [3]. Our pattern is expressed in terms of the views mandated by the COMPASS Architectural Framework Framework (CAFF) [4], which gives a disciplined way of defining architectural frameworks.…”

AMADEOS SysML Profile for SoS Conceptual Modeling

“…The approaches presented in [3,8] provide support to model the structure of an SoS and emergence by means of the extension to SysML diagrams. Analyses of the former models are conducted to provide evidence that requirements are fulfilled.…”