Marcus Alanen

Difference and Union of Models

This paper discusses the difference and union of models in the context of a version control system. We show three metamodel-independent algorithms that calculate the difference between two models, merge a model with the difference of two models and calculate the union of two models. We show how to detect union conflicts and how they can be resolved either automatically or manually. We present an application of these algorithms in a version control system for MOF-based models.

A metamodeling language supporting subset and union properties

In this article, we describe successive versions of a metamodeling language using a set-theoretic formalization. We focus on language extension mechanisms, particularly on the relatively new subset and union properties of MOF 2.0 and the UML 2.0 Infrastructure. We use Liskov substitutability as the rationale for our formalization. We also show that property redefinitions are not a safe language extension mechanism. Each language version provides new features, and we note how such features cannot be mixed arbitrarily. Instead, constraints over the metamodel and model structures must be established. We expect that this article provides a better understanding of the foundations of MOF 2.0, which is necessary to define new extensions, model transformation languages and tools.

Model interchange using OMG standards

We discuss the need for a robust model interchange document format in order to realize the model driven engineering vision. The OMG proposes XMI and XMI[DI] as the standard document formats to store and exchange models and diagrams between applications. However, there are still some open issues regarding the current version of these standards. In this article, we discuss some of these issues and conclude with a plea for a continued discussion on the future and improvement of the XMI and the XMI[DI] model interchange standards.

Creating and reconciling diagrams after executing model transformations

In this paper we discuss how to create and update diagrams after the execution of a model transformation. This is achieved by creating an independent diagram reconciliation tool component that is based on a mapping language from the abstract syntax to the concrete syntax of a modeling language. This approach allows us to decouple model transformation from diagram handling in model transformation languages and tools.

Design method support for domain specific SoC design

In this paper we introduce the idea of methodware (i.e., combination of language definitions and model transformations) as a framework for defining design methods. The approach should allow us to facilitate building of customized tools for domain specific problems. We apply our approach to the MICAS architecture, a novel SoC architecture for mobile peripherals

Doctoral symposium

The UML 2004 Doctoral Symposium was the first Doctoral Symposium in the UML Conference series. The Doctoral Symposium sought to bring together PhD Students working in areas related to UML and modeling in general. It was a full-day workshop held in parallel with the remaining workshops of the conference. Ten students were selected and were given the opportunity to present and discuss their research goals, receiving high-quality feedback from the rest of participants of the workshop, including a number of volunteer seniors that helped making the Symposium a success. The Doctoral Symposium will also be present in the next edition of the conference.

On Modeling Techniques for Supporting Model-Driven Development of Protocol Processing Applications

The Model-Driven Architecture (MDA) as supported by the Object Management Group (OMG) describes the structural requirements of an engineering discipline where models, instead of source code, comprise the primary artifact. In this chapter we provide an overview of the methods and modeling techniques used to support an MDA methodology for developing protocol processing applications. We demonstrate our approach with examples from an IPv6 router specification targeted to a customized processing architecture.

Reconciling diagrams after executing model transformations

In this paper we discuss how to create and update diagrams after the execution of a model transformation. This is achieved by creating an independent diagram reconciliation tool component that is based on a mapping language from the abstract syntax to the concrete syntax of a modeling language. This approach allows us to decouple model transformation from diagram handling in model transformation languages and tools.

MDE for SoC design

We employ the principles of model-driven engineering to assist the design of system-on-chip (SoC) architectures. As a concrete example, we look at the MICAS architecture, for which we propose a graphical specification language, defined via metamodeling techniques, that models the architecture at different abstraction levels. Model transformations are defined to support the refinement of MICAS specification towards implementation. In addition, several libraries are put in place, to enable reuse and automation throughout the design process. Tool support for editing the specifications, enforcing their consistency, and for running the transformations is provided via the Coral modeling framework. The approach shows that model-driven engineering can be seen as an enabler in providing computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tool support and automation for the development of SoC architectures.