A domain-specific language for context modeling in context-aware systems

Context-awareness refers to systems that can both sense and react based on their environment. One of the main difficulties that developers of context-aware systems must tackle is how to manage the needed context information. In this paper we present MLContext, a textual Domain-Specific Language (DSL) which is specially tailored for modeling context information. It has been implemented by applying Model-Driven Development (MDD) techniques to automatically generate software artifacts from context models. The MLContext abstract syntax has been defined as a metamodel, and model-to text transformations have been written to generate the desired software artifacts. The concrete syntax has been defined with the EMFText tool, which generates an editor and model injector.     

Debugging measurement systems using a domain-specific modeling language

Capturing physical data in the context of measurement systems is a demanding process that often requires many repetitions with different settings. To assist in this activity, a domain-specific modeling language (DSML) called Sequencer has been developed to enable the improved definition of measurement procedures. With Sequencer, the level of abstraction has been raised and sophisticated changes in measurement procedures are now enabled. Although there are numerous DSMLs like Sequencer in the existing literature, there are some obstacles working against the more widespread adoption of DSMLs in practice. One challenge is the lack of supporting tools for DSMLs, which would improve the capabilities of end-users of such languages. For instance, support for debugging a model expressed in a DSML is often neglected. The lack of a debugger at the proper abstraction level limits the domain experts in discovering and locating bugs in a model. In this paper, Sequencer is presented together with debugging facilities (called Ladybird) that are integrated in a modeling environment. Ladybird supports different execution modes (e.g., steps, breakpoints, animations, variable views, and stack traces) that can be helpful during the debugging of a model. Ladybird's primary contribution is in showing the value of error detection in complicated industrial environments, such as data acquisition in automotive testing. The paper contributes to a discussion of the implementation details of DSML debugging facilities and how such a debugger can be reused to support domains other than the measurement context of Sequencer.     

Ontology-based approach for context modeling in enterprise applications

Today, enterprise applications provide large amounts of data and finding the right information on time for a given purpose is often a challenge. In these environments, users do not know what information is important, why it is important and finally, how to find this important information. Therefore, an enterprise application has to decide which information is relevant in certain a situation for certain a user. In order to accomplish that, the context of the information must be taken to account. Moreover, this application must be able to capture the context of the application user as well as the overall business context which describes the situation in which information is relevant. In this paper we propose an ontology-based context model which captures the general concepts about user and business context. Also, we discuss the challenges for context reasoning and interpreting and we present a case study to demonstrate the benefits of the developed concepts.     

End user dialogue context management of office automation systems

Office work is situated social action, a notion that includes both the social actions of computer systems in their interactions with office workers and other computer systems. This notion can be operationalized by dialogue context, which can then be used as a design parameter in office information systems. Observational data were collected by video recording a secretary's activities over an 8 hour duration. The data were analysed and discussed with the secretary to identify her action units. These action units were then related using an action graph. An interpretation of the action graph and observational data suggest certain features that a dialogue context management mechanism should have. They are: (1) a good match between applications and activities, (2) automated tools to support routine activities, and (3) informative and manageable metaphor to model the real world.     

A systematic approach to evaluating domain-specific modeling language environments for multi-agent systems

Multi-agent systems (MASs) include multiple interacting agents within an environment to provide a solution for complex systems that cannot be easily solved with individual agents or monolithic systems. However, the development of MASs is not trivial due to the various agent properties such as autonomy, responsiveness, and proactiveness, and the need for realization of the many different agent interactions. To support the development of MASs various domain-specific modeling languages (DSMLs) have been introduced that provide a declarative approach for modeling and supporting the generation of agent-based systems. To be effective, the proposed DSMLs need to meet the various stakeholder concerns and the related quality criteria for the corresponding MASs. Unfortunately, very often the evaluation of the DSML is completely missing or has been carried out in idiosyncratic approach. If the DSMLs are not well defined, then implicitly this will have an impact on the quality of the MASs. In this paper, we present an evaluation framework and systematic approach for assessing existing or newly defined DSMLs for MASs. The evaluation is specific for MAS DSMLs and targets both the language and the corresponding tools. To illustrate the evaluation approach, we first present SEA_ML, which is a model-driven MAS DSML for supporting the modeling and generation of agent-based systems. The evaluation of SEA_ML is based on a multi-case study research approach and provides both qualitative evaluation and quantitative analysis. We report on the lessons learned considering the adoption of the evaluation approach as well as the SEA_ML for supporting the generation of agent-based systems.     

Object-attribute architecture for design and modeling of distributed automation systems

The application of the object-attribute (OA) architecture of computing environment to implementation of distributed automation systems with computational nodes (computers or PLCs) of different hardware architectures is described. The features of OA modeling of distributed automation tools and the main techniques for modeling, programming, and debugging of such systems are shown.     

Predicate transformers in the context of symbolic modeling of transition systems

In modelling attribute transition systems, classes of their states can be described in a given signature of functional and predicate symbols. A procedure is developed for transforming such formulas by assignment operators and the obtained formulas are proved to correspond to strongest postconditions. A peculiarity of this paper is that functional-type attributes can be used in specifying transition systems, in particular, their array-type attributes.     

Formalizing the structural semantics of domain-specific modeling languages

Model-based approaches to system design are now widespread and successful. These approaches make extensive use of model structure to describe systems using domain-specific abstractions, to specify and implement model transformations, and to analyze structural properties of models. In spite of its general importance the structural semantics of modeling languages are not well-understood. In this paper we develop the formal foundations for the structural semantics of domain-specific modeling languages (DSML), including the mechanisms by which metamodels specify the structural semantics of DSMLs. Additionally, we show how our formalization can complement existing tools, and how it yields algorithms for the analysis of DSMLs and model transformations.

Synchronization of abstract and concrete syntax in domain-specific modeling languages

Modern domain-specific modeling (DSM) frameworks provide refined techniques for developing new languages based on the clear separation of conceptual elements of the language (called abstract syntax) and their graphical visual representation (called concrete syntax). This separation is usually achieved by recording traceability information between the abstract and concrete syntax using mapping models. However, state-of-the-art DSM frameworks impose severe restrictions on traceability links between elements of the abstract syntax and the concrete syntax. In the current paper, we propose a mapping model which allows to define arbitrarily complex mappings between elements of the abstract and concrete syntax. Moreover, we demonstrate how live model transformations can complement mapping models in providing bidirectional synchronization and implicit traceability between models of the abstract and the concrete syntax. In addition, we introduce a novel architecture for DSM environments which enables these concepts, and provide an overview of the tool support.     

基于组织建模的企业级信息系统访问控制模型

针对企业级信息系统访问控制中由于用户、角色与资源客体数量多而引起的控制复杂这一问题,提出了基于组织建模的访问控制设计思想。借鉴组织视图建模思想对传统RBAC模型中角色概念进行拓展,对客体分类并进行组件化设计以支持访问粒度控制。在此基础上给出一个基于组织建模的企业级信息系统访问控制模型,定义了一组模型要素并给出了实现访问控制的机理。最后给出一个基于组织建模的访问控制模型实现,并结合具体实例表明了该模型的可行性和有效性。     

Automating the construction of domain-specific modeling languages for object-oriented frameworks

The extension of frameworks with domain-specific modeling languages (DSML) has proved to be an effective way of improving the productivity in software product-line engineering. However, developing and evolving a DSML is typically a difficult and time-consuming task because it requires to develop and maintain a code generator, which transforms application models into framework-based code. In this paper, we propose a new approach for extending object-oriented frameworks that aims to alleviate this problem. The approach is based on developing an additional aspect-oriented layer that encodes a DSML for building framework-based applications, eliminating the need of implementing a code generator. We further show how a language workbench is capable of automating the construction of DSMLs using the proposed layer.     

Personal computers in automation systems

Historically, computer control of processes and experiments has been the domain of large scale industry and research organizations. For small quantity or ‘one off’ systems, the availability of the microprocessor and associated LSI and MSI logic components have lowered the cost of such automation and process control systems by perhaps an order of magnitude. In the case of large quantities, the cost reduction figures are much more dramatic, particularly where the system is realized on a specialized customized VLSI chip. Microprocessor control systems can be realized in a number of ways. This paper explores the conditions and environment in which a personal computer, such as the Commodore PET, can offer lower costs and simpler software and hardware development than systems designed from micromodules i.e. sets of printed circuit boards each performing a specific function.     

Design automation systems in Japan

A brief historical overview is given of computer-aided design of integrated circuits. Layout strategies are examined, with emphasis on the hierarchical approach, which is the one most commonly adopted for semicustom LSIs. Functional and logic design are discussed, covering languages, logic synthesis, and hardware. A design example is presented to illustrate the use of the advanced tools discussed     

Birds of a feather: The DODE and domain-specific software synthesis systems

Conclusions Software synthesis techniques provide most, but not all, of the functionality in Fischer's DODE. Software synthesis is achievable and is best at the automation of repetitive activities, even when these activities are design. Software synthesis performs analysis and synthesis activities automatically in well-known domains, while in less well-known domains, software synthesis supports simulation activities for human cooperation. Software synthesis techniques support human cooperation by effectively evaluating different options within the design space. Current software synthesis architectures are well on their way towards instantiating Fischer's DODE design process.     

Using voxel models in automation of mathematical modeling

Consideration was given to an approach to the problems of mathematical modeling based on special-purpose graphic image models providing informational groundwork for the differential analysis of an analytic expression.     

Web service conversation modeling: a cornerstone for e-business automation

Web services are emerging as a promising technology for effectively automating interorganizational interactions. However, despite the growing interest, several issues remain to be addressed to provide Web services with benefits similar to what traditional middleware brings to intraorganizational application integration. We identify a framework that builds on current standards to help developers define extended service models and richer Web service abstractions. The framework's main feature is a conversation metamodel derived from our analysis of e-commerce portal sites.     

On building with reusable software: Democratization of information systems automation through software reuse

Software reuse is an important emerging technology. It allows consumption of reusable information, which, in turn, can contribute to democratization of information systems automation. I introduce software reuse concepts and discuss current reuse approaches, issues of economics of reuse, and currently used metaphors as they apply to the reuse consumer. The discussion should give those who have not yet began to exploit consumption of information reuse a starting point for their considerations.Some sections of this paper were presented, in brief, during the Third International Conference for Systems Integration held in Sao Paulo City, Brazil, July 30 to August 6th, 1994.