Simulating domain specific visual models by observation

Abstract

Domain Specific Visual Languages (DSVLs) are essential elements in Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) for representing models and metamodels. In-place model transformations provide an intuitive way to complement metamodels with behavioral specifications. Besides, they can be extended with quantitative models of time and with mechanisms that facilitate the design of real-time complex systems. In this paper we present an approach to simulate and analyze the behavior of systems described by DSVLs using observers, which are objects that can monitor both the state of the rest of the objects of the system, and the execution of the system actions. Our proposal is supported by e-Motions, a graphical framework and tool for defining timed behavioral specifications of models. We also show how this approach enables the specification and simulation of other important features of systems, such as the automatic reconfiguration of the system when the value of some of the observed properties change.

Amalgamation of domain specific languages with behaviour

“…Protection of behaviour is key to the usefulness of the results: the behaviour of a model of the production line system described using our DSL will not be affected by the machinery attached to it for its analysis. Our example is adapted and extended from [57]. A proper modelling of time is of course key for such an analysis.…”

“…Clearly, these properties could be useful in relation to other systems as well, so we will first define and model them independently of the PLS DSL. Following [57,58], we rely on the notion of observer to analyse nonfunctional properties of systems described by GTSs in a way that can be analysed by simulation. By specifying different properties to be analysed as separate, parameterized DSLs, independent of the definition of any system, we are then able to compose these DSLs with the base DSL, the PLS DSL in this case, to generate specific simulation environments.…”

Behaviour Protection in Modular Rule-Based System Specifications

“…In this section, we use e-Motions [38,39] to provide a motivating example, adapted from [45], as well as intuitions for the formal framework developed. However, as stated in the previous section, the framework itself is independent of such a language.…”

“…We have used the response-time property as an example here. Other properties can be defined easily in a similar vein as shown in [45] and at http://atenea.lcc.uma.es/index. php/Main_Page/Resources/E-motions/PLSObExample.…”

“…We have been looking for ways in which to encapsulate the ability to specify non-functional properties into reusable DSML modules. Troya et al used the concept of observers in [45,46] to model nonfunctional properties of systems described by GTSs in a way that could be analysed by simulation. In [9], we have built on this work and ideas from [48] to allow the modular encapsulation of such observer definitions in a way that can be reused in different DSML specifications.…”