Towards an Integrated Graph Based Semantics for UML

Recently, we proposed an integrated formal semantics based on graph transformation for central aspects of UML class, object and state diagrams. In this paper, we explain the basic ideas of that approach and show how two more UML diagram types, sequence and collaboration diagrams, can be captured. For UML models consisting of a class diagram and particular state diagrams, a graph transformation system can be defined. Its graphs are associated with system states and its rules with operations in the class diagram and transitions in the state diagrams. Sequence and collaboration diagrams then characterize sequences of operation applications and therefore sequences of transformation rule applications. Thus valid sequence and collaboration diagrams correspond to derivations induced by the graph transformation system. Proceeding this way, it can be checked for example whether such an operation application sequence may be applied in a specific system state.     

From UML Models to Graph Transformation Systems

In this paper we present an approach that allows to validate properties of UML models. The approach is based on an integrated semantics for central parts of the UML. We formally cover UML use case, class, object, statechart, collaboration, and sequence diagrams. Additionally full OCL is supported in the common UML fashion. Our semantics is based on the translation of a UML model into a graph transformation system consisting of graph transformation rules and a working graph that represents the system state. By applying the rules on the working graph, the evolution of the modeled system is simulated.     

Specifying behavioral semantics of UML diagrams through graph transformations

The Unified Modeling Language (UML) has been widely accepted as a standard for modeling software systems from various perspectives. The intuitive notations of UML diagrams greatly improve the communication among developers. However, the lack of a formal semantics makes it difficult to automate analysis and verification. This paper offers a graphical yet formal approach to specifying the behavioral semantics of statechart diagrams using graph transformation techniques. It supports many advanced features of statecharts, such as composite states, firing priority, history, junction, and choice. In our approach, a graph grammar is derived automatically from a state machine to summarize the hierarchy of states. Based on the graph grammar, the execution of a set of non-conflict state transitions is interpreted by a sequence of graph transformations. This facilitates verifying a design model against system requirements. To demonstrate our approach, we present a case study on a toll-gate system.     

Dynamic Meta Modeling with Time: Specifying the Semantics of Multimedia Sequence Diagrams

UML offers different diagram types to model behavior and dynamics of software systems. In some domains like embedded real-time systems or multimedia systems, it is necessary to include specifications of time since the correctness of these applications depends on the fulfillment of temporal requirements in addition to functional requirements. UML thus already incorporates language features to model time and temporal constraints. Such model elements must have an equivalent in the semantic domain. We have proposed Dynamic Meta Modeling (DMM) as a means for the specification of the formal operational semantics of UML models by applying graph transformation to the meta modeling of dynamic behavior. Within this paper, we extend this approach to also account for time by building on timed graph transformations. We apply these concepts to the domain of multimedia application modeling in which we adopt UML sequence diagrams. The DMM rules with time then specify an interpreter that can be used to analyze or test a model of multimedia sequence diagrams.     

VPM: A visual,precise and multilevel metamodeling framework for describing mathematical domains and UML (The Mathematics of Metamodeling is Metamodeling Mathematics)

As UML 2.0 is evolving into a family of languages with individually specified semantics, there is an increasing need for automated and provenly correct model transformations that (i) assure the integration of local views (different diagrams) of the system into a consistent global view, and, (ii) provide a well-founded mapping from UML models to different semantic domains (Petri nets, Kripke automaton, process algebras, etc.) for formal analysis purposes as foreseen, for instance, in submissions for the OMG RFP for Schedulability, Performance and Time. However, such transformations into different semantic domains typically require the deep understanding of the underlying mathematics, which hinders the use of formal specification techniques in industrial applications. In the paper, we propose a multilevel metamodeling technique with precise static and dynamic semantics (based on a refinement calculus and graph transformation) where the structure and operational semantics of mathematical models can be defined in a UML notation without cumbersome mathematical formulae.     

Dynamic Meta Modeling with time: Specifying the semantics of multimedia sequence diagrams

The Unified Modeling Langugage (UML) offers different diagram types to model the behavior of software systems. In some domains like embedded real-time systems or multimedia systems, it is necessary to include specifications of time in behavioral models since the correctness of these applications depends on the fulfillment of temporal requirements in addition to functional requirements. UML thus already incorporates language features to model time and temporal constraints. Such model elements must have an equivalent in the semantic domain.We have proposed Dynamic Meta Modeling (DMM), an approach based on graph transformation, as a means for specifying operational semantics of dynamic UML diagrams. In this article, we extend this approach to also account for time by extending the semantic domain to timed graph transformation. This enables us to define the operational semantics of UML diagrams with time specifications. As an example, we provide semantics for special sequence diagrams from the domain of multimedia application modeling.     

基于通信序列进程的UML序列图形式化方法

UML2.0序列图是一种描述对象之间动态协作和事件发展时间关系的视图,但是UML序列图缺乏精确的形式化语义,所以不利于对其所描述的系统进行形式化验证。为此,根据UML2.0语义文档及组合碎片包概念,基于通信序列进程(CSP)给出了UML序列图的基本元素和消息迹的形式化定义及生成规则,实现了UML序列图的形式化,为UML序列图在描述系统准确性和有效性方面提供了形式化的检验方法。最后通过ATM实例说明UML序列图这一过程的正确性。     

UML2.0顺序图的形式化研究

在UML2.0规范中顺序图的语义仍然是以自然语言的形式描述的,为实现对顺序图的自动化分析和验证,必须为顺序图定义一种形式化的语义模型.为此首先给出了UML顺序图的一种符合BNF范式的形式化语法,然后为该语法中的非终止符定义转换规则,将UML顺序图中的基本动作转换为加标Petri网组件,最后定义了各种合成操作,利用这些合成操作可以将UML顺序图的加标Petri网组件转换为加标Petni网.     

Automated formal verification of visual modeling languages by model checking

Graph transformation has recently become more and more popular as a general, rule-based visual specification paradigm to formally capture (a) requirements or behavior of user models (on the model-level), and (b) the operational semantics of modeling languages (on the meta-level) as demonstrated by benchmark applications around the Unified Modeling Language (UML). The current paper focuses on the model checking-based automated formal verification of graph transformation systems used either on the model-level or meta-level. We present a general translation that inputs (i) a metamodel of an arbitrary visual modeling language, (ii) a set of graph transformation rules that defines a formal operational semantics for the language, and (iii) an arbitrary well-formed model instance of the language and generates a transitions system (TS) that serve as the underlying mathematical specification formalism of various model checker tools. The main theoretical benefit of our approach is an optimization technique that projects only the dynamic parts of the graph transformation system into the target transition system, which results in a drastical reduction in the state space. The main practical benefit is the use of existing back-end model checker tools, which directly provides formal verification facilities (without additional efforts required to implement an analysis tool) for many practical applications captured in a very high-level visual notation. The practical feasibility of the approach is demonstrated by modeling and analyzing the well-known verification benchmark of dining philosophers both on the model and meta-level.     

从UML顺序图生成状态图的一个方法

UML (Unified Modeling Language) is a visual modeling language used for specifying,visualizing,constructing,and documenting the artifacts of software systems by various diagrams.It has been widely accepted as a standard modeling language in both academic and industrial areas.UML sequence diagrams are mostly used in specifying system requirements.By representing interactions,which are arranged in time sequence,between the objects in a system,sequence diagrams can construct scenarios indicating the system‘‘s functions.A UML statechart diagram is a graph shows the sequences of states that an object or an interaction goes through during its life in response to received stimuli,together with its responses and actions.It‘‘s useful in the design stage of system development.This essay discusses the computer-aided transformation from sequence diagrams to statechart diagrams,which can offer strong support for the transfering from requirement analysis to system design in the software development process.With OCL (Object Control Language) semantic constrain,a transform algorithm is provided in the paper.And the differences with the related works are also mentioned.     

Web应用的UML协作图建模与形式化规格说明

针对Web应用的特点,从整体功能层面和交互行为层面用UML协作图构建了Web应用模型,以便精确、有效地描述参与协作对象间的结构关系和交互行为,保证在利用UML形式的规格说明推导测试用例时所需的语义信息.研究了运用Object-Z语言来形式化描述Web应用模型,提出了相应的转换规则.设计了形式化规格说明自动化生成的工具(UMLTOZ)中的主要相关类库.     

基于UML的CPN模型在软件测试中的应用

UML在被工业界广泛接受的同时也成为学术界遵循的一种标准建模语言。许多面向对象软件测试的研究都围绕UML模型开展。但UML模型属于半形式化模型,往往无法自动生成测试用例。将UML模型与Petri网相结合,能够弥补其数学支持的不足。文章给出了基于UML的CPN模型的测试框架和一个从UML模型构造CPN模型的算法,并根据该方法给出了自动化支持工具U2CPN的类图结构。     

基于重写逻辑的UML模型一致性检查方法

在模型驱动开发的场景下,保证UML模型的一致性具有重要意义,但目前大多数UML／MDA工具仪提供了有限支持。该文提出了一种基于代数重写逻辑的UML模型一致性检查的方法。首先定义了基于两级代数规范的实施构架以分别检查UML模型的没讣时和运行时语义一致性,其次定义了检查包括类图、状态机图和顺序图在内的多图一致性的重写规则。该方法为保持面向可执行的UML模型的一致性提供了有效支持。     

Timing consistency checking for UML/MARTE behavioral models

UML/MARTE model-driven development approaches are gaining attention in developing real-time embedded software (RTES). UML behavioral models with MARTE annotations are used to describe timing behaviors and timing characteristics of RTES. Particularly, state machine, sequence, and timing diagrams with MARTE annotations are appropriate to understand and analyze timing behaviors of RTES. However, to guarantee software correctness and safety, timing inconsistencies in UML/MARTE should be identified in the design phase of RTES. UML/MARTE timing inconsistencies are related to modeling errors and can be hazards throughout the lifecycle of RTES. We propose a systematic approach to check timing consistency of state machine, sequence, and timing diagrams with MARTE annotations for RTES. First, we present how state machine, sequence, and timing diagrams with MARTE annotations specify the behaviors of RTES. To overcome informal semantics of UML/MARTE models, we provide formal definitions of state machine, sequence, and timing diagrams with MARTE annotations. Second, we present the timing consistency checking approach that consists of a rule-based and a model checking-based timing consistency checking. In the rule-based timing consistency checking, we validate well formedness of UML/MARTE behavioral models in timing aspects. In the model checking-based timing consistency checking, we verify whether timing behaviors of sequence and timing diagrams with MARTE annotations are consistent with the timing behaviors of state machine diagrams with MARTE annotations. We support an automated timing consistency checking tool UML/MARTE timing Consistency Analyzer for a seamless approach. We demonstrate the effectiveness and the practicality of the proposed approach by two case studies using cruise control system software and guidance and control unit software.     

Using formal metamodels to check consistency of functional views in information systems specification

UML notations require adaptation for applications such as Information Systems (IS). Thus we have defined IS-UML. The purpose of this article is twofold. First, we propose an extension to this language to deal with functional aspects of IS. We use two views to specify IS transactions: the first one is defined as a combination of behavioural UML diagrams (collaboration and state diagrams), and the second one is based on the definition of specific classes of an extended class diagram. The final objective of the article is to consider consistency issues between the various diagrams of an IS-UML specification. In common with other UML languages, we use a metamodel to define IS-UML. We use class diagrams to summarize the metamodel structure and a formal language, B, for the full metamodel. This allows us to formally express consistency checks and mapping rules between specific metamodel concepts.     

基于UML的医院信息系统建模

UML是一种面向对象的建模语言,能够将用户的业务需求映射为模型,可大大提高系统的开发效率和扩展性。运用UML用例图、时序图、协作图、状态图、活动图等表示方法,对医院信息系统HIS的需求和业务流程进行分析与设计,准确地表达系统的功能需求,有效解决了HIS的需求分析和业务建模问题,为下一步的总体设计奠定了良好的基础。     

基于对象着色Petri网的UML模型研究

UML广泛应用于软件建模,但缺乏有效的模型检测的方法,使用形式化方法对UML模型进行分析,可以发现UML模型的设计问题,提高UML模型的质量。对象着色Petri网是一种拥有接口库所的模块化着色Petri网,既是一种图形化建模工具,又是具有严格的语法语义定义的形式化方法。通过引入事件托肯,改进了将UML模型转换为对象着色Petri网的方法,结合实例将UML状态图和协作图映射为对象着色Petri网模型。并用着色Petri网的方法和工具对模型进行了分析,验证了模型的一系列性质。     

模型转换规则自动生成研究

在大规模的模型驱动工程中,模型转换是关键的环节,手动撰写模型转换规则既耗费资源,且正确性亦难以得到保障。针对该问题,提出基于编辑距离的模型比对算法,用于自动生成转换规则,该算法可以处理UML类图、状态图和活动图,而且可以有效地检测模型转移和复制操作,从而生成最小转换序列,提高模型转换工作效率。经过实验验证,基于该算法的模型转换规则自动生成方法是行之有效的。     

Graphic Language for Describing Constraints on Diagrams of UML Classes

A visual notation for specifying constraints on diagrams of UML classes by means of the UML collaboration diagrams is suggested. A formal semantics of the suggested notation is presented.     

一种顺序图的形式化描述与推理过程

以统一建模语言(UML,Unified Modeling Language)规范为基础,给出UML顺序图的形式化定义和语法描述,并进一步分析了对象消息发送和接收之间的一致性问题.最后,通过对实例推理过程的分析,对UML顺序图的特性作进一步的解释.这为基于UML顺序图的模型转换和模型验证提供了必要的前提条件,可用于对软件...