A model-driven approach for developing a model repository: Methodology and tool support

Several development approaches have been proposed to cope with the increasing complexity of embedded system design. The most widely used approaches are those using models as the main artifacts to be constructed and maintained. The desired role of models is to ease, systematize and standardize the approach to the construction of software-based systems. To enforce reuse and interconnect the process of model specification and system development with models, we promote a model-based approach coupled with a model repository. In this paper, we propose a model-driven engineering methodological approach for the development of a model repository and an operational architecture for development tools. In addition, we provide evidence of the benefits and feasibility of our approach by reporting on a preliminary prototype that provides a model-based repository of security and dependability (S&D) pattern models. Finally, we apply the proposed approach in practice to a use case from the railway domain with strong S&D requirements.     

Integrated process planning using tool/process capabilities and heuristic search

CAD–CAM integration has involved either design with standard manufacturing features (feature-based design), or interpretation of a solid model based on a set of predetermined feature patterns (automatic feature recognition). Thus existing approaches are limited in application to predefined features, and also disregard the dynamic nature of the process and tool availability in the manufacturing shop floor. To overcome this problem, we develop a process oriented approach to design interpretation, and model the shape producing capabilities of the tools into tool classes. We then interpret the part by matching regions of it with the tool classes directly. In addition, there could be more than one way in which a part can be interpreted, and to obtain an optimal plan, it is necessary for an integrated computer aided process planning system to examine these alternatives. We develop a systematic search algorithm to generate the different interpretations, and a heuristic approach to sequence operations (set-ups/tools) for the features of the interpretations generated. The heuristic operation sequencing algorithm considers features and their manufacturing constraints (precedences) simultaneously, to optimally allocate set-ups and tools for the various features. The modules within the design interpretation and process planner are linked through an abstracted qualitative model of feature interactions. Such an abstract representation is convenient for geometric reasoning tasks associated with planning and design interpretation.     

Viewer-centered geometric feature recognition

Computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) systems are now indispensable tools for all stages of product development. The flexibility and ease of use of these systems has dramatically increased productivity and quality of product while reducing lead times. These advances have been largely achieved by automating individual tasks. At present, these islands of automation are poorly linked. One reason for this is that current computer systems are unable to extract geometric and topological information automatically from solid models that is relevant to the down-stream application. In other words, feature information.The objective of the research reported in this paper was to develop a more generic methodology than heretofore, in order to find the generic protrusion and depression features of a CAD model. The approach taken is one relying on a more human type of analysis, one that is viewer-centered as opposed to the object-centered approach of most previous research in this area. The viewer-centered approach to feature recognition described is based on a novel geometric probing or tomographic methodology. A five-step algorithm is described and then applied to a number of components by way of illustration.     

Tool selection-embedded optimal assembly planning in a dynamic manufacturing environment

This paper presents an approach for tool selection-embedded optimal assembly planning in dynamic manufacturing environments. It aims to embed assembly tools into the planning process of assembly sequences in a dynamic shop-floor. The experimental results demonstrate that the developed approach is efficient and practical for a high fidelity assembly sequence with alternatives of assembly-tool sets. The dynamic assembly planning can efficiently support product assembly by generating feasible assembly sequences. It provides an effective design-aiding tool to virtually deal with various what-if scenarios regarding product assembly. In particular, the Web-based application developed in this research can be incorporated into a high-performance design and manufacturing environment on the Web, forming a distributed, collaborative and globally networked tool for product assembly planning.     

基于ODI的高校异构数据集成的研究与实现

随着计算机、通信和网络技术的发展.针对高校多业务系统异构数据库的特征,应用数据集成的方法,突破高校在不同时期建立的封闭系统,形成的"信息孤岛".因此,本文在对异构数据集成进行研究分析后,再结合高校实际情况,详细分析了Oracle数据整合工具(ODI),提出了一个应用数据集成工具ODI的数据集成方案,建立起一套高校、可行...     

A centralized tool for managing,archiving, and serving point-in-time data in ecological research laboratories

The recent proliferation of software tools that aid researchers in various phases of data tracking and analysis undoubtedly contribute to successful development of increasingly complex and data-intensive scientific investigations. However, the lack of fully integrated solutions to data acquisition and storage, quality assurance/control, visualization, and provenance tracking of heterogeneous temporal data streams collected at numerous geospatial locations continues to occupy a general problem area for scientists and data managers working in the environmental sciences. We present a new Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) that allows users to: 1) automate the process of pushing real-time data streams from networks of environmental sensors or other data sources to an electronic data archive; 2) to perform basic data management and quality control tasks; and 3) to publish any subset of the data to existing cyberinfrastructure platforms for global discovery and distribution via the World Wide Web. The approach outlined here supports management of: 1) repeated field observations, 2) data from laboratory analysis of field samples, 3) simulation results, and 4) derived values. We describe how the use of Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) Representational State Transfer (REST) methods for data model objects and Resource Query Language (RQL) interfaces respond to a basic problem area in environmental modelling by enabling researchers to integrate an electronic data repository with existing workflows, simulation models, or third-party software.     

应用扩展元数据库方式解决数据仓库质量问题

数据仓库中数据的质量如何是直接关系到数据仓库系统成功与否的关键。扩展元数据库方式是解决数据仓库质量问题的有效方法。文章首先介绍了扩展元数据库,质量维度及质量模型,然后讲述了如何提高数据仓库中的数据质量,从而作为系统质量分析和质量驱动设计的基础。     

A Bayesian support tool for morphological design

Dynamic computer based support tools for the conceptual design phase have provided a long-standing challenge to develop. This is largely due to the ‘fluid’ nature of the conceptual design phase. Design evaluation methods, which form the basis of most computer design support tools, provide poor support for multiple outcomes. This research proposes a stochastic-based support tool that addresses this problem. A Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) is used to represent the causal links between design variables. Included in this research is an efficient method for learning a design domain network from previous design data in the structure of a morphological design chart. This induction algorithm is based on information content. A user interface is proposed to support dynamically searching the conceptual design space, based on a partial design specification. This support tool is empirically compared against a more traditional search process. While no compelling evidence is produced to support the stochastic-based approach, an interesting broader design search behaviour emerges from observations of the use of the stochastic design support tool.     

A : A tool for identifying and repairing un-machinable shapes in designs

Providing early feedback on the manufacturability of a part design can greatly improve the quality of the product while reducing the time and cost of production. However, the necessary manufacturing knowledge is not always available. Computer tools that can provide this manufacturing knowledge by analyzing a design suggesting changes to improve its manufacturability would be a valuable asset to a designer. To this end, we present an approach to automatically generate redesign suggestions to improve the manufacturability of machined parts. Novel aspects of this approach include the ability to identify un-machinable shapes in a part and transform them into machinable features and to automatically identify the possible shape transformations based on properties of the machining equipment. This increases the scope of redesign generation tools by allowing them to be applied to parts that are not already machinable. We have developed a system called automated redesign for machined parts ( ) that assists users in repairing parts that contain un-machinable shapes.     

基于ASP技术的计算机辅助工业设计系统的设计与研究

随着计算机网络技术的迅猛发展,全球经济面临着深刻的变革。计算机技术的发展使得制造业发生了很大变化。为了更好地将计算机技术应用到工业上去,本文提出了一种基于服务提供商模式的解决方案,用于解决计算机辅助工业设计中网络化制造的问题。本文设计并开发的系统由四个工具集构成,每个工具都是利用可重用组件技术进行开发,动态加载到计算机辅助工业设计平台中。本文重点研究了工具集中的形态布局、色彩方案、人机设计等技术,开发出的系统可以为企业提供一些基本的计算机辅助工业设计应用服务。实验表明,该系统能够提高企业的工作效率,提高企业的设计能力,对网络化制造业具有重要意义。     

The verified software repository: a step towards the verifying compiler

The verified software repository is dedicated to a long-term vision of a future in which all computer systems justify the trust that society increasingly places in them. This would be accompanied by a substantial reduction in the current high costs of programming error, incurred during the design, development, testing, installation, maintenance, evolution, and retirement of computer software. An important technical contribution to this vision will be a verifying compiler: a tool-set that automatically proves that a program will always meet its specification, insofar as this has been formalised, without even needing to run it. This has been a challenge for computing research for over 30 years, but the current state of the art now gives grounds for hope that it may be implemented in the foreseeable future. Achievement of the overall vision will depend also on continued progress of research into dependability and software evolution, as envisaged by the UKCRC Grand Challenge project in dependable systems evolution. The verified software repository is a first step towards the realisation of this long-term vision. It will maintain and develop an evolving collection of state-of-the-art tools, together with a representative portfolio of real programs and specifications on which to test, evaluate, and develop the tools. It will contribute initially to the inter-working of tools, and eventually to their integration. It will promote transfer of the relevant technology to industrial tools and into software engineering practice. It will build on the recognised achievements of practical formal development of safety-critical computer applications, and contribute to an international initiative in verified software, covering theory, tools, and experimental validation. Received April 2005 Revised November 2005 Accepted November 2005 by C. B. Jones     

Supporting search for reusable software objects

Prior research has shown that achieving high levels of software reuse in the presence of repository and object-based computer-aided software engineering (CASE) development methods presents interesting human, managerial and technical challenges. This article presents research that seeks to enhanced software development performance through reuse. We propose automated support for developers who search large repositories for the appropriate reusable software objects. We characterize search for repository objects in terms of a multistage model involving screening, identification, and the subsequent choice between new object construction or reusable object implementation. We propose automated support tools, including ORCA, a software Object Reuse Classification Analyzer, and AMHYRST, an Automated HYpertext-based Reuse Search Tool, that are based on this model. ORCA utilizes a faceted classification approach that can be implemented using hypertext. We also describe an aspect of AMHYRST's architecture which can automatically create hypertext networks that represent and link objects in terms of a number of distinguishing features. We illustrate our approach with an example drawn from a real world object repository     

An architecture for automatically developing secure OLAP applications from models

ContextDecision makers query enterprise information stored in Data Warehouses (DW) by using tools (such as On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) tools) which use specific views or cubes from the corporate DW or Data Marts, based on the multidimensional modeling. Since the information managed is critical, security constraints have to be correctly established in order to avoid unauthorized accesses.ObjectiveIn previous work we have defined a Model-Driven based approach for developing a secure DWs repository by following a relational approach. Nevertheless, is also important to define security constraints in the metadata layer that connects the DWs repository with the OLAP tools, that is, over the same multidimensional structures that final users manage. This paper defines a proposal to develop secure OLAP applications and incorporates it into our previous approach.MethodOur proposal is composed of models and transformations. Our models have been defined using the extension capabilities from UML (conceptual model) and extending the OLAP package of CWM with security (logical model). Transformations have been defined by using a graphical notation and implemented into QVT and MOFScript. Finally, this proposal has been evaluated through case studies.ResultsA complete MDA architecture for developing secure OLAP applications. The main contributions of this paper are: improvement of a UML profile for conceptual modeling; definition of a logical metamodel for OLAP applications; and definition and implementation of transformations from conceptual to logical models, and from logical models to the secure implementation into a specific OLAP tool (SSAS).ConclusionOur proposal allows us to develop secure OLAP applications, providing a complete MDA architecture composed of several security models and automatic transformations towards the final secure implementation. Security aspects are early identified and fitted into a most robust solution that provides us a better information assurance and a saving of time in maintenance.     

An application of CIMOSA concepts in the development of change capable manufacturing cells

A new approach to the design and reconfiguration of change capable manufacturing cells is described. The approach is based on (i) the development of particular models of cells, where the use of CIMOSA modelling constructs is structured and informed by a semi-generic model of similar manufacturing cells and (ii) the use of new constructs and tools that operationalise particular models in the form of an explicit, model-based configuration of cell resources and software components. The paper describes key elements of the semi-generic model and a case study application of the approach when designing and prototyping a case study manufacturing cell.     

The application of information systems for the design and operation of flexible machining cells

The use of information systems in manufacturing applications has dramatically changed over the last few years. The design and implementation of somewhat dated relational databases has been replaced by the generation of information models, that can be simultaneously used for the development of information systems and satisfy their integration requirements. Over the last ten years the authors have been involved in a series of research programmes focusing on the design and operation of flexible machining cells. The use of information systems has been a central theme and the enabling technology to achieve a number of novel design concepts and operational strategies for such cells. The initial research was based on the utilization of relational databases to integrate a variety of modelling and design tools. However, the additional effort required to integrate such databases to manufacturing software tools, in the form of developing file translators, information gateways and interfac es, has made the authors adopt a new approach. With this approach the information requirements are represented in a neutral format within a data model, using a formal data specification language developed by the Standards for the Exchange of Product (STEP) committee. This paper describes these changes in the design and implementation of information systems in manufacturing applications, and provides an initial view of future research requirements.     

“Critic-proofing” of the cognitive aspects of simple games

This paper posits the use of computer games as cognitive development tools that can provide players with transferable skills suitable for learning in the 21st century. We describe a method for categorizing single-player computer games according to the main cognitive function(s) engaged in by the player during gaming. Categorization was done in collaboration with a neuropsychologist, academic researchers, and research assistants. Twelve research assistants, mostly domain novices, were trained to categorize games according to a cognitive matrix developed by the neuropsychologist. They also categorized the games, and evaluated and commented on the relevance of the neuropsychologist's categorization of the games. Through the process of “critic proofing,” computer games were reliably classified into primary and secondary cognitive categories, and the team was able to identify problems with both the categorization of certain games and the definitions of some of the cognitive functions in our cognitive matrix. Such an approach allowed for the identification of under-populated cognitive categories in the project's existing repository of games, and for further development of the cognitive representation framework, information useful for both researchers and designers in the gaming industry.     

Tool requirements in manufacturing systems under dynamic tool sharing

This paper addresses a tooling problem in automated manufacturing systems under dynamic tool assignment policy. In this type of systems, while parts stay on a machine all through its operations, the tools required (but not available on the machine) are delivered in time for requirements. The system performance is restricted to a great extent by tooling constraints. This paper presents an analytical method to determine tool requirement levels under dynamic production environment. The appropriate tool duplication levels are determined by trading off tool duplication levels and tool waiting time. Simulation studies are used to verify the performance of the proposed analytical model.     

Interoperability of manufacturing applications using the Core Manufacturing Simulation Data (CMSD) standard information model

The goal of this paper is to propose an approach to enhance interoperability between manufacturing applications using the Core Manufacturing Simulation Data Information Model (CMSDIM) in order to streamline design and manufacturing activities throughout the product life cycle. To this end, a system framework required to facilitate such interoperability is first presented. The proposed approach, architecture, and developed translators are then illustrated and demonstrated using two separate case studies. The first case study facilitates design for manufacturing and assembly improvements for the development of new products, allowing for part of a discrete event simulation model of a downstream manufacturing and assembly process to be automatically generated from corresponding product assembly information contained in the lean design engineering software. Conceptual design and development of this case study, which extracts outputs from Design Profit™ lean design software and generates a corresponding discrete event simulation model in ProModel™ for a Nikon® L-100 Camera, is then discussed. The second case study demonstrates interoperability of three applications (order and inventory system, Gantt chart scheduler, and discrete event simulation) for a generic job shop operation. Using the considered case studies, this paper also details and demonstrates the benefits of interoperability enhancement using the CMSDIM, which is an important consideration in any product life cycle. Finally, we discuss how future research opportunities integrating additional manufacturing applications can be used to address intellectual challenges present in our current approach.