Mapping Features to Reusable Components: A Problem Frames-Based Approach

In software product line engineering (SPLE), feature modeling has been extensively used to represent commonality and variability between the products of a domain in terms of features, based on which reusable components are developed. However, the link between a feature model and product requirements, that fundamentally decide how the features are developed into reusable components, has not been adequately addressed in SPLE methods. This paper introduces an approach to combining feature modeling and problem frames in an attempt to address this problem. First, features are mapped to problem frames using heuristics derived from feature modeling and feature mapping units. Requirements are then identified and analyzed to ensure that they are fully satisfied. Finally, a solution modeling method maps the problem frames to architectural components. A Home Integration System (HIS) case study is used to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach.

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