A proposed meta‐model for formalizing systems engineering knowledge, based on functional architectural patterns

Design patterns and architecture patterns have been considerably promoted by software engineering. The software oriented tools and methods have been adapted for systems engineering, conforming to the model driven engineering paradigm proposed by the Object Management Group. However, designers of complex sociotechnical systems have specific concerns, which differ from those of software designers. We propose a method of pattern implementation for systems engineering, based on a functional approach and relying on formal conceptual foundations in the form of a meta-model, which can be used for the management, application, and cataloguing of patterns specific to the field of systems engineering. A pattern instance in the field of control systems is proposed as an example application: © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.