Evaluation of Kermeta for Solving Graph-based Problems

Kermeta is a meta-language for specifying the structure and behavior of graphs of interconnected objects called models. In this paper,\ud we show that Kermeta is relatively suitable for solving three graph-based\ud problems. First, Kermeta allows the specification of generic model\ud transformations such as refactorings that we apply to different metamodels\ud including Ecore, Java, and Uml. Second, we demonstrate the extensibility\ud of Kermeta to the formal language Alloy using an inter-language model\ud transformation. Kermeta uses Alloy to generate recommendations for\ud completing partially specified models. Third, we show that the Kermeta\ud compiler achieves better execution time and memory performance compared\ud to similar graph-based approaches using a common case study. The\ud three solutions proposed for those graph-based problems and their\ud evaluation with Kermeta according to the criteria of genericity,\ud extensibility, and performance are the main contribution of the paper.\ud Another contribution is the comparison of these solutions with those\ud proposed by other graph-based tools

Case study: Class diagram restructuring

This case study is an update-in-place refactoring transformation on UML class diagrams. Its aim is to remove clones of attributes from a class diagram, and to identify new classes which abstract groups of classes that share common data features. It is used as one of a general collection of transformations (such as the removal of redundant inheritance, or multiple inheritance) which aim to improve the quality of a specification or design level class diagram. The transformation is a typical example of a model refactoring, and illustrates the issues involved in such transformations.Comment: In Proceedings TTC 2013, arXiv:1311.753

An evaluation of a contract management simulation game for architecture students

Architects are currently grappling to exploit new forms of communication made possible with developments in internet communication. At the same time, the construction industry is in a state of flux as novel project management systems are being introduced. Students need to understand the first principles of project management within the context of our changing environment. One of the best ways for students to learn about the legalities of the construction process is through role play and simulation but there is a Catch 22. Unless students have a basic understanding of project management, the contractual process can be confusing and intimidating. Even fifth and sixth year architecture students are reluctant to ask practitioners questions for fear of appearing ignorant. This paper presents an evaluation of the cost and benefits of a web-based simulation game to deliver the Architecture studies curriculum. The webbased game allows students to critically observe the transformation of designs into buildings through the exploration of the contract management process. A questionnaire survey was used to assess how the computer simulation operates as a group exercise, how it compares with more traditional approaches and the best and worst features of the web-based system. The students found the game to be practical, enjoyable, motivating and effective in stimulating the learning process. The benefits of the web-based game were also found to outweigh the costs, thus providing support for its use as an active learning tool in Architectural Education

Motrusca : interactive model transformation use case repository

Modeling and model transformations tools are maturing and are being used in larger and more complex projects. The advantage of a modeling environment and its transformation tools cannot be easily exploited by non-expert users as many subtle intricacies determine the efficiency of transformation languages and their tools. We introduce transformation use case examples that highlight such language/tooling properties. These simple, non-trivial examples have been extracted from an experiment with transformations of Design Space Exploration models. These examples show some typical modeling patterns and we give some insight how to address the examples. We make a case for initiating an interactive, on-line repository for model transformation use cases. This repository is aimed to be example-centric and should facilitate the interaction between end-users and tooling developers, while providing a means for comparing the applicability, expressivity, and efficiency of transformation tools

Topological Navigation of Simulated Robots using Occupancy Grid

Formerly I presented a metric navigation method in the Webots mobile robot simulator. The navigating Khepera-like robot builds an occupancy grid of the environment and explores the square-shaped room around with a value iteration algorithm. Now I created a topological navigation procedure based on the occupancy grid process. The extension by a skeletonization algorithm results a graph of important places and the connecting routes among them. I also show the significant time profit gained during the process

Motrusca : interactive model transformation use case repository

Modeling and model transformations tools are maturing and are being used in larger and more complex projects. The advantage of a modeling environment and its transformation tools cannot be easily exploited by non-expert users as many subtle intricacies determine the efficiency of transformation languages and their tools. We introduce transformation use case examples that highlight such language/tooling properties. These simple, non-trivial examples have been extracted from an experiment with transformations of Design Space Exploration models. These examples show some typical modeling patterns and we give some insight how to address the examples. We make a case for initiating an interactive, on-line repository for model transformation use cases. This repository is aimed to be example-centric and should facilitate the interaction between end-users and tooling developers, while providing a means for comparing the applicability, expressivity, and efficiency of transformation tools

Research Questions for Validation and Verification in the Context of Model-Based Engineering

International audienceIn model-based engineering (MBE), the abstraction power of models is used to deal with the ever increasing complexity of modern software systems. As models play a central role in MBE-based development processes, for the adoption of MBE in practical projects it becomes indispensable to introduce rigorous methods for ensuring the correctness of the models. Consequently, much effort has been spent on developing and applying validation and verification (V&V) techniques for models. However, there are still many open challenges. In this paper, we shortly review the status quo of V&V techniques in MBE and derive a catalogue of open questions whose answers would contribute to successfully putting MBE into practice

Evaluation of Model Transformation Approaches for Model Refactoring

This paper provides a systematic evaluation framework for comparing model transformation approaches, based upon the ISO/IEC 9126-1 quality characteristics for software systems. We apply this framework to compare five transformation approaches (QVT-R, ATL, Kermeta, UMLRSDS and GrGen.NET) on a complex model refactoring case study: the amalgamation of apparent attribute clones in a class diagram. The case study highlights the problems with the specification and design of the refactoring category of model transformations, and provides a challenging example by which model transformation languages and approaches can be compared. We take into account a wide range of evaluation criteria aspects such as correctness, efficiency, flexibility, interoperability, reusability and robustness, which have not been comprehensively covered by other comparative surveys of transformation approaches. The results show clear distinctions between the capabilities and suitabilities of different approaches to address the refactoring form of transformation problem