A multi-agent knowledge model for SMEs mechatronic supply chains

The main concern of this research work is to analyse and model supply chains (SCs) in the particular context of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the field of mechatronic. The study is based on the analysis of the organisational features, the actors?? behaviour, and performance considerations. The development of the model relies on an iterative framework that progressively integrates different aspects into the model. This framework is the ArchMDE process, which is based on MDE (Model Driven Engineering). A major feature of this work lies in its contribution to two different areas of research. The first contribution of the work is to propose a generic metamodel for SCs. Based on a literature review, an incremental framework is proposed for the modelling of SCs in terms of concepts, structure and relationships. The application of the framework to the studied context is described and its result is a domain-metamodel for SCs. The second contribution of this work lies in the formalisation of the dynamic behaviour of the concepts in the metamodel. This formalisation is based on the multi-agent approach. An agentification of the metamodel is thus drawn, thanks to the natural links between multiagent theory and SC reality. This step leads to an agentified-domain-metamodel which also includes the monitoring of the SC and synchronisation protocols. By adding relationships and dynamic behavior aspects, we obtain a metamodel of the domain that can be implemented, with its static and dynamic aspects. To validate this model, an industrial case study is detailed and has been instantiated and encoded in JAVA.     

Multi-objective optimization for design under uncertainty problems through surrogate modeling in augmented input space

Multi-objective design under uncertainty problems that adopt probabilistic quantities as performance objectives and consider their estimation through stochastic simulation are examined in this paper, focusing on development of a surrogate modeling framework to reduce computational burden for the numerical optimization. The surrogate model is formulated to approximate the system response with respect to both the design variables and the uncertain model parameters, so that it can simultaneously support both the uncertainty propagation and the identification of the Pareto optimal solutions. Kriging is chosen as the metamodel, and its probabilistic nature (its ability to offer a local estimate of the prediction error) is leveraged within different aspects of the framework. To reduce the number of simulations for the expensive system model, an iterative approach is established with adaptive characteristics for controlling the metamodel accuracy. At each iteration, a new metamodel is developed utilizing all available training points. A new Pareto front is then identified utilizing this surrogate model and is compared, for assessing stopping criteria, to the front that was identified in the previous iteration. This comparison utilizes explicitly the potential error associated with the metamodel predictions. If stopping criteria are not achieved, a set of refinement experiments (new training points) is identified and process proceeds to the next iteration. A hybrid design of experiments is considered for this refinement, with a dual goal of global coverage and local exploitation of regions of interest, separately identified for the design variables and the uncertain model parameters.

     

一种模型驱动的工作流过程定义途径

传统的工作流管理系统在互操作性,可复用性,可移植性和开发效率等方面遇到了挑战,MDA是解决上述挑战和问题的一种途径。在模型驱动的工作流管理系统中,工作流模型处于核心地位,本文首先给出了扩展的工作流元模型和基于Petri网的形式化工作流模型过程网。其次,运用模型驱动的途径,依据给出的工作流模型,本文提出了一种模型驱动的,用于快速构造工作流管理系统的框架。针对工作流过程模型,着重讨论了从基于EPC的过程CIM到基于过程网的过程PIM的转换（转换过程和转换规则）,并以扩展的Petri网标注语言E-PNML规约了过程PIM。     

Reusable model transformations

Model transformations written for an input metamodel may often apply to other metamodels that share similar concepts. For example, a transformation written to refactor Java models can be applicable to refactoring UML class diagrams as both languages share concepts such as classes, methods, attributes, and inheritance. Deriving motivation from this example, we present an approach to make model transformations reusable such that they function correctly across several similar metamodels. Our approach relies on these principal steps: (1) We analyze a transformation to obtain an effective subset of used concepts. We prune the input metamodel of the transformation to obtain an effective input metamodel containing the effective subset. The effective input metamodel represents the true input domain of transformation. (2) We adapt a target input metamodel by weaving it with aspects such as properties derived from the effective input metamodel. This adaptation makes the target metamodel a subtype of the effective input metamodel. The subtype property ensures that the transformation can process models conforming to the target input metamodel without any change in the transformation itself. We validate our approach by adapting well known refactoring transformations (Encapsulate Field, Move Method, and Pull Up Method) written for an in-house domain-specific modeling language (DSML) to three different industry standard metamodels (Java, MOF, and UML).     

基于SPEM的CMM软件过程元模型

软件企业在实施CMM(capability maturity modelfor software)的过程中面临最主要的障碍是如何将CMM 软件过程模型转换成可实施的、体现组织过程特征的CMM实施过程模型.可以利用模型驱动架构MDA来支持CMM模型转换,其首要问题是建立CMM软件过程元模型.通过分析CMM软件过程,给出了面向CMM的软件过程工程元模型SPEM的扩展策略,提出了一个基于SPEM的CMM软件过程元模型一-SPM-CMM.该元模型既支持CMM软件过程的抽象语法和规则语义,也支持利用UML CASE工具操作CMM软件过程模型.     

The Process Enactment Tool Framework—Transformation of software process models to prepare enactment

Rich development process models contain information about structures for project organization and also for concrete outcomes of a project. However, rich processes are hard to implement. They often contain hundreds of pages of documentation. Development teams tend to be skeptical about rich processes in fear of additional effort, risking the benefits of rich tool support for enactment. Process enactment is a challenging task. There is no common methodology to quickly “implement” a development process in a tool or a set of tools. Often specialized tools are used to provide assistance during the project and it is the project manager’s task to consolidate the information with the rest of the team.The Process Enactment Tool Framework (PET) is a software tool that supports the transformation of a given formal development process into a format that project tools can work with. PET is an instrument to import processes based on a metamodel and provide exports for a specific project environment. PET takes an input software development process model and transforms it into an intermediate format that serves as the basis for a second transformation step into data formats of tools such as office suites or comprehensive ALM platforms. In this paper we present the tool framework and show how metamodel-based processes can be transformed into an environment that is ready to use for a project team. We show how PET is applied for the German V-Modell XT and for SPEM-based processes to generate, e.g., process templates for the Team Foundation Server or work product document templates.     

一种以活动为中心的软件过程元模型

在软件开发过程中，过程定义是整个软件过程工程的核心，而成功的过程定义基于一个良好的软件过程元模型。提出了一种以活动为中心的软件过程元模型，使用ECA规则处理多种活动之间的转移关系，该元模型的描述基于XML语言，并采用XML schema来定义和检查XML文档的语法。该元模型具有可操作性强、结构简单的特点，并且在实际软件开发中得到了初步应用。     

An approximate optimization strategy using refined hybrid metamodel

An approximate model called metamodel or surrogate model is a mathematical model that numerically approximates response of a system during an engineering simulation process or test. The introduction of a metamodel makes it possible to express response defined in the design problem as a simple mathematical function of design variables. A metamodel can be built with response surface method (RSM), kriging, neural network, radial basis function, and so on. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. A combined metamodel called hybrid model, ensemble model, or multiple surrogates has been developed to maximize each metamodel's strength. The hybrid model of this research includes RSM and kriging. Besides, a strategy to refine the hybrid metamodel is implemented by reducing design space. In this process, information related to Hessian is utilized for an unconstrained optimization problem, on the contrary feasibility for a constrained optimization problem. This research presents a new hybrid metamodel-based optimization strategy called refined hybrid metamodel. Five mathematical test problems, two-bar design, spring design, and propeller shaft design problems are solved with the suggested method, verifying its usefulness. Most of the optimal results with the proposed method are closer to exact solutions with smaller function evaluations than existing methods.     

A method to build information systems engineering process metamodels

Several process metamodels exist. Each of them presents a different viewpoint of the same information systems engineering process. However, there are no existing correspondences between them. We propose a method to build unified, fitted and multi-viewpoint process metamodels for information systems engineering. Our method is based on a process domain metamodel that contains the main concepts of information systems engineering process field. This process domain metamodel helps selecting the needed metamodel concepts for a particular situational context. Our method is also based on patterns to refine the process metamodel. The process metamodel can then be instantiated according to the organisation’s needs. The resulting method is represented as a pattern system.     

Improving the accuracy of UML metamodel extensions by introducing induced associations

In the process of extending the UML metamodel for a specific domain, the metamodel specifier introduces frequently some metaassociations at MOF level M2 with the aim that they induce some specific associations at MOF level M1. For instance, if a metamodel for software process modelling states that a “Role” is responsible for an “Artifact”, we can interpret that its specifier intended to model two aspects: (1) the implications of this metaassociation at level M1 (e.g., the specific instance of Role “TestEngineer” is responsible for the specific instance of Artifact “TestPlans”); and (2) the implications of this metaassociation at level M0 (e.g., “John Doe” is the responsible test engineer for elaborating the test plans for the package “Foo”). Unfortunately, the second aspect is often not enforced by the metamodel and, as a result, the models which are defined as its instances may not incorporate it. This problem, consequence of the so-called “shallow instantiation” in Atkinson and Kühne (Procs. UML’01, LNCS 2185, Springer, 2001), prevents these models from being accurate enough in the sense that they do not express all the information intended by the metamodel specifier and consequently do not distinguish metaassociations that induce associations at M1 from those that do not. In this article we introduce the concept of induced association that may come up when an extension of the UML metamodel is developed. The implications that this concept has both in the extended metamodel and in its instances are discussed. We also present a methodology to enforce that M1 models incorporate the associations induced by the metamodel which they are instances from. Next, as an example of application we present a quality metamodel for software artifacts which makes intensive use of induced associations. Finally, we introduce a software tool to assist the development of quality models as correct instantiations of the metamodel, assuring the proper application of the induced associations as required by the metamodel.     

面向仿真训练系统的过程模型研究

该文首先说明了过程模型的功能，根据功能需求对相关过程建模方法进行分析，找出了适合于仿真系统中过程模型的描述方法，并重点给出了一种基于有限状态机方法的训练过程模型框架、过程模型实时调度方法和应用实例。该过程模型框架由演示过程、物理行为过程、混合过程、过程转移、转移条件等对象类组成，在仿真训练系统开发中，通过定义和扩展这些对象类，对基于有限状态机的过程模型进行控制与调度，准确而全面地描述和管理仿真训练过程，从而有效地解决了仿真训练系统中的过程模型开发问题。     

From a Conceptual Framework for Agents and Objects to a Multi-Agent System Modeling Language

In this paper we propose a multi-agent system modeling language (MAS-ML) that extends UML (Unified Modeling Language) based on structural and dynamic properties presented in a conceptual framework (metamodel) called Taming Agents and Objects (TAO). Our focus is the adaptation according to TAO concepts of the static Class diagram and the interaction Sequence diagram proposed by UML. These two diagrams have been chosen because they are the most commonly used and because it is possible to use them to illustrate both the structural and dynamic aspects of TAO metamodel. We propose a conservative extension of the UML metamodel, which includes agent-related notions that are part of the TAO conceptual framework while preserving all object-related concepts, which constitute the UML metamodel. The main difference between our approach and the others presented in the literature is the clear definition and representation of the elements that compose MASs and their corresponding behavior. In order to extend UML with TAO non-object concepts, it is not possible to use only the three basic extensions mechanisms provided by UML and new metaclasses and stereotypes have been created and associated with the UML metamodel.     

基于活动图的C4ISR能力需求过程建模及验证

当前对C⁴ISR系统能力需求的描述大多基于图形、文字等静态模型,对信息和数据的具体操作没有进行定义,以至于对象之间的行为过程没有详细说明。缺乏可执行动态语义的能力模型是不可执行的,因此提出了一种基于活动图的能力需求过程建模方法,为可执行体系结构的建模仿真提供支撑。首先给出了系统过程模型的定义,在C⁴ISR系统能力元概念模型的指导下,通过扩展UML活动图得到系统的能力需求过程元模型。然后用本体表示能力需求过程元模型语义,通过对本体的逻辑推理实现对C⁴ISR系统能力需求过程元模型的验证。     

Determinacy and Concurrency Issues in Process Engineering

The goal of creating high-quality process systems for real-world applications leads to the need for an engineering approach to process system development. The development of process engineering as a distinct discipline can be greatly facilitated through the development of an engineering framework that supports the rigorous engineering of process systems.Reliability, cost and timeliness are key attributes of quality for engineering artifacts, independent of the specific engineering discipline. As a result, attention to these and other related issues of process system quality during process system design is viewed as necessary if order to achieve desired levels of quality in the resulting process systems.The task system model, a task-based process formalism that can serve as the basis for a process engineering framework, is described. Extensions to this model that are specifically intended to address process system reliability and parallelism are introduced. Process system reliability is addressed through the introduction of methods to ensure determinacy among concurrently executing tasks of a process system that share resources.Process system operating costs and execution timeliness are addressed by maximizing parallelism to the extent that reliability is not compromised.     

A comparison of four process metamodels and the creation of a new generic standard

Software development processes and methodologies to date have frequently been described purely textually. However, more recently, a number of metamodels have been constructed to both underpin and begin to formalize these methodologies. We have critically examined four of these: the Object Management Group's Software Process Engineering Metamodel (SPEM), the OPEN Process Framework (OPF), the OOSPICE metamodel for capability assessment and the LiveNet approach for computer-supported collaborative work (CSCW). Based on this analysis, a new, combined metamodel, named Standard Metamodel for Software Development Methodologies (SMSDM) has been constructed which supports not only process but also products and capability assessment in the contexts of both software development and CSCW. As a proof of concept we conclude with a partial example to show how the SMSDM metamodel (and by inference the other metamodels) are used in practice by creating a simple yet usable methodology.     

OPEN Process Framework软件工程框架研究与应用

OPEN Process Framework（OPF）是使软件开发过程达到CMM5级标准的软件工程框架。文中讨论了基于OPF的软件过程的主要元素及实施过程，并把该过程应用于某油田数据采集系统的开发，实践证明基于OPF的软件过程可以提高团队的开发能力、降低风险、有效控制资源，为项目的开发提供了高度清晰的过程框架，规范管理和开发流程。     

基于元模型的Simulink静态分析技术

为解决目前Simulink模型规则检查工具对国内如飞行控制等一些特定领域的标准规范覆盖不完善的问题,设计了41条建模准则,并基于元模型理论,提出了一种共性的解析和检查框架,在此基础上实现了Simulink模型规则检查工具SimREG。该方法通过一种无编译的方式来实现对Simulink模型的静态规则检查,在Simulink模型到元模型的映射过程中提取针对每条准则执行检查时需要的模型信息,并将模型重构为有向图的形式,然后在遍历过程中,对图中每个节点进行选定准则的分析处理,完成检查过程。SimREG完成了全部41条建模准则的检查过程,在与三个有代表性的规则检查工具的对比实验中取得了更好的检查结果。SimREG工具将元模型理论应用于Simulink模型的规则检查过程中,在检查速度更快的同时获得了更低的漏报率和误报率。     

Weighted-object ensemble clustering: methods and analysis

In recent years, research on provenance has increased exponentially, and such studies in the field of business process monitoring have been especially remarkable. Business process monitoring deals with recording information about the actual execution of processes to then extract valuable knowledge that can be utilized for business process quality improvement. In prior research, we developed an occurrence-centric approach built on our notion of occurrence that provides a holistic perspective of system dynamics. Based on this concept, more complex structures are defined herein, namely Occurrence Base (OcBase) and Occurrence Management System (OcSystem), which serve as scaffolding to develop business process monitoring systems. This paper focuses primarily on the critical provenance task of extracting valuable knowledge from such systems by proposing an Occurrence Query Framework that includes the definition of an Occurrence Base Metamodel and an Occurrence Query Language based on this metamodel. Our framework provides a way of working for the construction of business process monitoring systems that are provenance aware. As a proof of concept, a tool implementing the various components of the framework is presented. This tool has been tested against a real system in the context of biobanks.