一种DEVS原子模型向UML状态图映射方法研究

离散事件仿真规范DEVS形式化的一个重要不足在于它缺乏一种标准的、图形化的描述形式。该文研究提出了一种将DEVS的原子模型与复合模型分别映射到UML的状态图和组件图的方法,并用形式化的数学方法对DEVS原子模型向UML状态图的映射过程进行了描述与构造。这种映射将DEVS规范融入到了UML的描述形式当中,将DEVS的抽象化描述与UML的表示能力、计算机处理能力结合起来,为两种建模形式的统一提供了一个可行的思路。该文研究的成果在C^4ISR系统总体方案规范化建模中得到了逐步的应用。     

Distributed simulation of DEVS and Cell-DEVS models in CD++ using Web-Services

Discrete event system specification (DEVS) is a modeling and simulation formalism that has been widely used to study the dynamics of discrete event systems. Cell-DEVS is a DEVS-based formalism that defines spatial models as a cell space assembled of a group of DEVS models connected together. CD++ is a modeling and simulation toolkit capable of executing DEVS and Cell-DEVS models that has proven to be useful for executing complex models. We present the design and implementation of a distributed simulation engine, known as D-CD++, which exposes CD++ simulation utilities as machine-consumable services. In addition, we present the design and implementation of the Web-Service components which enable D-CD++ to expose the simulation functionalities to remote users. Enabling CD++ with Web-Services technology provides a solid framework for interoperating different DEVS implementations in order to achieve a standard DEVS Modeling Language and simulation protocols. This paves the road towards DEVS standardization, while providing a mashup approach, which can lead to higher degree of reuse and reduced time to set up and run experiments, and making sharing among remote users more effective. To prove this fact, we integrate it within larger services (such as a 3D visualization engine), showing the mechanism to incorporate to other environments (including geographical information systems, web-based applications and other modeling and simulation tools) through using standard Web-Service tools. Performance of D-CD++, major bottlenecks and communication overheads are analyzed.     

Object-oriented business process modeling and simulation:: A discrete event system specification framework

In this study, we suggest that the Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) framework, derived from engineering research, provides a useful Object-Oriented Modeling and Simulation (OOMS) approach for developing, simulating and evaluating complex business process models. A survey of other OOMS approaches to business process modeling, and their evaluation with regard to model representation, manipulation and implementation, suggests that there are some limitations which could be addressed by DEVS. We conducted a case study of a business process in a “real world” setting to explore some of the issues involved in implementing the DEVS framework.Our findings suggest that DEVS provides a robust framework for model representation based on its concept of atomic models and its ability to represent higher-level models that are closed under coupling. It also provides considerable model manipulation capabilities through a System Entity Structure (SES), the pruning of the SES by inclusion of instances of models which correspond to processing alternatives, and a relatively easy transition from conceptual models to simulation models. Finally, our implementation of DEVS in a business situation contributes to the parent discipline by highlighting a number of methodological issues such as discrepancy resolution by identifying root causes, assumptions surfacing and re-examination, and an awareness of the political and cultural context of business process modeling. Our study suggests that IS research on developing OOMS approaches to business process modeling can derive considerable benefits by leveraging off DEVS-related research in engineering.     

Self-reproducible DEVS formalism

System reproduction model to the growing system structure can be used to design modeling formalisms for variable system architectures having historical characteristics. We introduce a discrete event system specifications (DEVS)-based extended formalism that a system structure gradually grows through self-reproductions of system components. The proposed formalism is applied to atomic DEVS modeling and coupled DEVS modeling. As extended-atomic DEVS model, atomic self-reproduction (SR) DEVS modeling to a system component makes virtual-child atomic DEVS models. By SR DEVS modeling, a child coupled model can be also reproduced from a parent coupled model. When a system component model reproduces its system component, a child component model can receive its parent model characteristics including determined role or behavior, and include different structure model characteristics. A virtual-child model that has its parent characteristics can also reproduce next child model which may show similar attributes of the grand-parent model.     

Extending the DEVS formalism for massively parallel simulation

The use of multiprocessors for discrete event simulation is an active research area where work has focused on strategies for model execution with little regard for the underlying formalism in which models may be expressed. However, a formalism-based approach offers several advantages including the ability to migrate models from sequential to parallel platforms and the ability to calibrate simulation architectures to model structural properties. In this article, we extend the DEVS (discrete event system specification) formalism, originally developed for sequential simulation, to accommodate the full potential of parallel processing. The extension facilitates exploitation of both internal and external event parallelism manifested in hierarchical, modular DEVS models. After developing a mapping of the extended formalism to parallel architectures, we describe an implementation of the approach on a massively parallel architecture, the Connection Machine. Execution results are discussed for a class of models exhibiting high external and internal event parallelism, the so-called broadcast models. These verify the tenets of the underlying theory and demonstrate that significant reduction in execution time is possible compared to the same model executed in serial simulation.     

DEVS的面向对象可视化建模

DEVS是对离散事件系统的一种形式化描述,该文在DEVS中引入面向对象的方法,并采用UML（Unified Modeling Language)对它进行可视化建模。文中提出了基于DEVS的面向对象的一种建模规则和基于UML的可视化建模思想和方法,该方法是对DEVS和UML的扩充和改进。     

Using a Discrete-Event System Specifications (DEVS) for designing a Modelica compiler

We introduce a new architecture for the design of a tool for modeling and simulation of continuous and hybrid systems. The environment includes a compiler based on Modelica, a modular and a causal standard specification language for physical systems modeling (the tool supports models composed using certain component classes defined in the Modelica Standard Library, and the instantiation, parameterization and connection of these MSL components are described using a subset of Modelica). Models are defined in Modelica and are translated into DEVS models. DEVS theory (originally defined for modeling and simulation of discrete event systems) was extended in order to permit defining these of models. The different steps in the compiling process are show, including how to model these dynamic systems under the discrete event abstraction, including examples of model simulation with their execution results.     

Modeling discrete event scalable network systems

Scalability in simulation tools is one of the most important traits to measure performance of software. The reason is that today’s Internet is the main instance of a large-scale and highly complex system. Simulation of Internet-scale network systems has to be supported by any simulation tool. Despite this fact, many network simulators lacks support for building large models. In this work, in order to propose a new approach for scalability issue in network simulation tools, a network simulator is developed based on behavior of honeybees and high performance DEVS, modular and hierarchical system theoretic approach. A biologically-inspired discrete event modeling approach is described for studying networks’ scalability and performance traits. Since natural systems can offer important concepts for modeling network systems, key adaptive and emergent attributes of honeybees and their societal properties are incorporated into a set of simulation models that are developed using the discrete event system specification approach. Large-scale network models are simulated and evaluated to show the benefits of nature-inspired network models.     

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.     

Maneuvering control simulation of underwater vehicle based on combined discrete-event and discrete-time modeling

When designing or acquiring underwater vehicles such as submarines and torpedoes, it is necessary to predict their performance precisely and perform tests repeatedly using modeling and simulation at both the engineering level and the tactical engagement level. For simulation performed for analysis purposes at the engineering level, which requires a considerable amount of computation power, a discrete-time system simulation that computes significant values at every single unit time using the established mathematical model or engineering model is mainly employed. To simulate a complex or complicated task such as a traffic analysis or tactical measure of effectiveness (MOE) analysis at the engagement level, it is appropriate to use a discrete-event system simulation that causes transition between model states through the triggering of events on the basis of the passing of messages between simplified mathematical models coupled in various ways. In this paper, we studied a maneuvering control of underwater vehicle from the perspective of a combined discrete-event and discrete-time system simulation; the simulation model is established on the basis of discrete-event system specification (DEVS) formalism, which is a representative modeling formalism of a discrete-event system simulation. In detail, the simulation includes DEVS modeling implementations of simulation execution time control and discrete-time step size control in real time at the time of performing a discrete-time system simulation for the purpose of three-dimensional visualization or carrying out a performance analysis using the DEVS model. This hybrid approach makes possible to build a simulation-based expert system which supports the decision making for the acquisition of an underwater vehicle.     

Activity-based simulation using DEVS: increasing performance by an activity model in parallel DEVS simulation

Improving simulation performance using activity tracking has attracted attention in the modeling field in recent years. The reference to activity has been successfully used to predict and promote the simulation performance. Tracking activity, how- ever, uses only the inherent performance information contained in the models. To extend activity prediction in modeling, we propose the activity enhanced modeling with an activity meta-model at the meta-level. The meta-model provides a set of interfaces to model activity in a specific domain. The activity model transformation in subsequence is devised to deal with the simulation difference due to the heterogeneous activity model. Finally, the resource-aware simulation framework is implemented to integrate the activity models in activity-based simulation. The case study shows the improvement brought on by activity-based simulation using discrete event system specification （DEVS）.     

Developing a software toolkit for urban traffic modeling

ATLAS is a modeling language that permits a static view of a city section to be defined for simulating traffic in closed areas. We propose a methodology that is focused on the user while being able to improve the software development activities. The models are formally specified, avoiding a high number of errors in the application, thus reducing the problem solving time. Streets are characterized by their traffic direction, number of lanes, etc. Once the urban section is outlined, the traffic flow is automatically set up. Specialized behavior is included to model traffic lights, trucks, traffic signs, railways, etc. The basic idea is to provide a mapping into DEVS and Cell‐DEVS models that can be easily executed with a simulation tool. As the modelers can focus on the problem to solve, development times for the simulators can be dramatically reduced. A front‐end system allows the user to draw city sections (and then parse the drawing to create a valid ATLAS file), and an output subsystem permitting cars to be shown with realistic 3D graphics. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

DEVS methodology for evaluating time-constrained message routing policies

Due to its ability to support temporal issues of systems, discrete event simulation is widely applicable to real-time system design. This paper presents a methodology for the modeling and simulation of time-constrained message routing policies for hypercube interconnected real-time systems. The methodology is based on a framework called the DEVS (discrete event systems specification) formalism which supports modular and hierarchical specification of discrete event models. Within the methodology, we first develop DEVS specification for models for hypercube computers and experimental frames to measure the performance of alternative message routing policies. We then implement such specification in DEVSIM++, a C++-based modeling/simulation environment that implements the DEVS formalism. Simulations of various message routing policies are performed, and the performances of such policies are compared.     

Test Synthesis from UML Models of Distributed Software

The object-oriented software development process is increasingly used for the construction of complex distributed systems. In this context, behavior models have long been recognized as the basis for systematic approaches to requirements capture, specification, design, simulation, code generation, testing, and verification. Two complementary approaches for modeling behavior have proven useful in practice: interaction-based modeling (e.g., UML sequence diagrams) and state-based modeling (e.g., UML statecharts). Building on formal V&V techniques, in this article we present a method and a tool for automated synthesis of test cases from scenarios and a state-based design model of the application, remaining entirely within the UML framework. The underlying "on the fly" test synthesis algorithms are based on the input/output labeled transition system formalism, which is particularly appropriate for modeling applications involving asynchronous communication. The method is eminently compatible with classical OO development processes since it can be used to synthesize test cases from the scenarios used in early development stages to model global interactions between actors and components, instead of these test cases being derived manually. We illustrate the system test synthesis process using an air traffic control software example     

用分层事件关系图实现系统仿真与分析*

现有的建模语言如UML、有穷状态自动机、Petri网、DEVS等不能完全满足工业中对时间系统建模的要求,企业常须自行开发建模语言和工具,或人为加工和抽象时间系统的设计以适应已有建模手段。使用事件关系图实现分层设计可以在一定程度上解决这一问题。该方法既方便了对复杂时间系统的设计,也使自动化仿真、分析和代码生成变得简易可行。     

支持协商的网构软件体系结构行为建模与验证

针对网构软件行为中的不确定性和不完整性,提出了一种支持协商的网构软件体系结构行为建模与验证方法.在建模中,该方法借鉴了UML时序图元素表示法,并增加了建模元素支持行为的不确定与不完整建模.在验证中,除了集成广泛应用的模型检查工具Spin以提供行为模型的验证能力以外,还引入了基于反例引导的抽象-精化过程思想的协商检查,以解决不确定和不完整建模所带来的正确性验证问题.     

REALIZATION THEORY OF DISCRETE-EVENT SYSTEMS AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE UNIQUENESS AND UNIVERSALITY OF DEVS FORMALISM

Many man-made systems have discrete event nature. Many modeling formalisms for discrete-event mechanisms have invented and been used for many problems. Among those models, the DEVS formalism is to provide natural and universal models in some sense.

This paper first provides a realization theory of general discrete-event systems. That is, a behavioral definition of discrete-event system is defined, and then a state transition function of the system is constructed. Based on the realization, the uniqueness problem of representations for discrete-event systems is positively solved. Furthermore, as an application of that solution, this paper shows both the fact that a legitimate DEVS with surjective internal transition function is unique up to isomorphism in the class of state representations of the state system defined from the DEVS, and the fact that any discrete-event system has a DEVS realization. In this sense the DEVS modeling facility has the uniqueness and universality in modeling discrete event mechanisms.     

Using UML Action Semantics for model execution and transformation

The Unified Modelling Language (UML) lacks precise and formal foundations and semantics for several modeling constructs, such as transition guards or method bodies. These semantic discrepancies and loopholes prevent executability, making early testing and validation out of reach of UML tools. Furthermore, the semantic gap from high-level UML concepts to low-level programming constructs found in traditional object-oriented language prevents the development of efficient code generators.The recent Action Semantics (AS) proposal tackles these problems by extending the UML with yet another formalism for describing behavior, but with a strong emphasis on dynamic semantics. This formalism provides both, a metamodel integrated into the UML metamodel, and a model of execution for these statements. As a future OMG standard, the AS eases the move to tool interoperability, and allows for executable modeling and simulation.We explore in this paper a specificity of the AS: its applicability to the UML metamodel, itself a UML model. We show how this approach paves the way for powerful metaprogramming for model transformation. Furthermore, the overhead for designers is minimal, as mappings from usual object-oriented languages to the AS will be standardized.     

OPM vs. UML--Experimenting with Comprehension and Construction of Web Application Models

Object-Process Methodology (OPM), which is a holistic approach to modeling and evolving systems, views objects and processes as two equally important entities that describe the system's structure and behavior in a single model. Unified Modeling Language (UML), which is the standard object-oriented modeling language for software systems, separates the system model into various aspects, each of which is represented in a different view (diagram type).The exponential growth of the Web and the progress of Internet-based architectures have set the stage for the proliferation of a variety of Web applications, which are classified as hybrids between hypermedia and information systems. Such applications require a modeling approach that is capable of clearly specifying aspects of their architecture, communication, and distributive nature. Since UML and OPM are two candidates for this task, this study has been designed to establish the level of comprehension and the quality of the constructed Web application models using each one of these two approaches.In the experiment we carried out, third year undergraduate information systems engineering students were asked to respond to comprehension and construction questions about two representative Web application models. The comprehension questions related to the system's structure, dynamics, and distribution aspects. The results suggest that OPM is better than UML in modeling the dynamics aspect of the Web applications. In specifying structure and distribution aspects, there were no significant differences. The results further suggest that the quality of the OPM models students built in the construction part was superior to that of the corresponding UML models.