Methods for Formalizing Cognitive Graphics and Visual Models using XML Schemas

Abstract

The paper analyses methods of formalising cognitive graphics and visual models using promising data storage formats. We describe the primary visual design techniques and note that they appear to be rather disconnected. We show that ensuring the coupling of data and knowledge in visual models featuring various levels of detail is the main problem in integrated usage of visual modelling tools. We analyse approaches to solving the semantic discontinuity problem, that is, provided we meet the condition under which the properties of objects, systems and processes under consideration are only input once, it is necessary to ensure that data from models corresponding to different levels of abstraction (expertise) is interconnected. One should assume that the main drawback of existing approaches to visualising complex systems is that these approaches are fragmented and isolated, which means that they will only be effective locally. The paper proposes several approaches to formalising visual models employing XML schemas, which ensures that development processes concerning visual models of various levels of abstraction are synchronised and interconnected. We use a BPMN (Business, Process, Model and Notation) visual model as an example that shows the principles of representing visual model elements by means of XML schemas. The paper provides a detailed analysis of the principles behind layer interaction in the BPMN model through flexible XML description. We show that the BPMN data structure boasts its own XML schema containing all the parameters of a class or an element. The paper presents several examples and a technique of applying an XML schema to a BPMN model, including a further generalisation aimed at formally representing the process models of complex systems

Analysis of Data Formats of Visual Models of System Design in Conditions of Synchronous Design Technologies

“…For example, in the system project for developing a digital element base, the following design levels can be distinguished: conceptual, system, behavioral, register transfer, logic, and geometric levels (Figure 1) [20]. The initiating stage is a conceptual-abstract visualization [22][23][24][25]. The least formalized methods are used here since their main task is to make modeling as simple as possible for specialists in subject areas to maximize their creative abilities.…”

“…The next stage is related to the development of functional models from the viewpoint of structuralfunctional and process approaches [25][26][27]. For modeling, it is particularly important to increase the level of the model adequacy; for this purpose, the cycle introduces such stages as simulation modeling and optimization of business processes by integral and differential criteria, which evaluate the results of decisions based on the models built.…”

“…Binary files and specialized formats cannot be read without the appropriate software or require knowledge of special algorithms for writing/reading them. The text-based open presentation of information is devoid of such disadvantages [25][26][27].…”