Meta-modelling and graph grammars for multi-paradigm modelling in AToM3

This paper presents the combined use of meta-modelling and graph grammars for the generation of visual modelling tools for simulation formalisms. In meta-modelling, formalisms are described at a meta-level. This information is used by a meta-model processor to generate modelling tools for the described formalisms. We combine meta-modelling with graph grammars to extend the model manipulation capabilities of the generated modelling tools: edit, simulate, transform into another formalism, optimize and generate code. We store all (meta-)models as graphs, and thus, express model manipulations as graph grammars.We present the design and implementation of these concepts in AToM3 (A_To_ol for M_ulti-formalism, M_eta-M_odelling). AToM3 supports modelling of complex systems using different formalisms, all meta-modelled in their own right. Models in different formalisms may be transformed into a single common formalism for further processing. These transformations are specified by graph grammars. Mosterman and Vangheluwe [18] introduced the term multi-paradigm modelling to denote the combination of multiple formalisms, multiple abstraction levels, and meta-modelling. As an example of multi-paradigm modelling we present a meta-model for the Object-Oriented Continuous Simulation Language OOCSMP, in which we combine ideas from UML class diagrams (to express the OOCSMP model structure), Causal Block Diagrams (CBDs), and Statecharts (to specify the methods of the OOCSMP classes). A graph grammar is able to generate OOCSMP code, and then a compiler for this language (C-OOL) generates Java applets for the simulation execution.

[1]  Claudia Ermel,et al.  AGG and GenGED: Graph Transformation-Based Specification and Analysis Rechniques for Visual Languages , 2002, GraBaTs.

[2]  H. Vangheluwe DEVS as a common denominator for multi-formalism hybrid systems modelling , 2000, CACSD. Conference Proceedings. IEEE International Symposium on Computer-Aided Control System Design (Cat. No.00TH8537).

[3]  Pieter J. Mosterman,et al.  Computer automated multi-paradigm modeling , 2002 .

[4]  Edward A. Lee,et al.  Ptolemy II, Heterogeneous Concurrent Modeling and Design in JAVA , 2001 .

[5]  Mark Minas Specifying Graph-like Diagrams with DIAGEN , 2002, Electron. Notes Theor. Comput. Sci..

[6]  Pieter J. Mosterman,et al.  Guest editorial: Special issue on computer automated multi-paradigm modeling , 2002, TOMC.

[7]  Alfred V. Aho,et al.  Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools , 1986, Addison-Wesley series in computer science / World student series edition.

[8]  David R. C. Hill,et al.  Theory of Modelling and Simulation: Integrating Discrete Event and Continuous Complex Dynamic Systems: Second Edition by B. P. Zeigler, H. Praehofer, T. G. Kim, Academic Press, San Diego, CA, 2000. , 2002 .

[9]  Sandeep Neema,et al.  Aspectifying Constraints in Model-Integrated Computing , 2000 .

[10]  Mark Minas,et al.  Concepts and realization of a diagram editor generator based on hypergraph transformation , 2002, Sci. Comput. Program..

[11]  Bernard P. Zeigler,et al.  Theory of Modelling and Simulation , 1979, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics.

[12]  Hilding Elmqvist,et al.  An Introduction to the Physical Modeling Language Modelica , 1997 .

[13]  Bernard P. Zeigler,et al.  A multimodel methodology for qualitative model engineering , 1992, TOMC.

[14]  Bernard P. Zeigler,et al.  Theory of modeling and simulation , 1976 .

[15]  Bernard P. Zeigler,et al.  Theory of Modeling and Simulation: Integrating Discrete Event and Continuous Complex Dynamic Systems , 2000 .

[16]  David R.C. Hill Theory of Modelling and Simulation: Integrating Discrete Event and Continuous Complex Dynamic Systems , 2000 .

[17]  Pieter J. Mosterman,et al.  An Environment for the Integrated Modelling of Systems with Complex Continuous and Discrete Dynamics , 2002 .

[18]  Fernando J. Barros,et al.  Multimodels and dynamic structure models: an integration of DSDE/DEVS and OOPM , 1998, 1998 Winter Simulation Conference. Proceedings (Cat. No.98CH36274).

[19]  Juan de Lara,et al.  Computer Aided Multi-paradigm Modelling to Process Petri-Nets and Statecharts , 2002, ICGT.

[20]  Juan de Lara,et al.  Oocsmp: an object-oriented simulation language , 1997 .

[21]  Juan de Lara,et al.  AToM3: A Tool for Multi-formalism and Meta-modelling , 2002, FASE.

[22]  Ivar Jacobson,et al.  The Unified Modeling Language User Guide , 1998, J. Database Manag..

[23]  Juan de Lara,et al.  Using Meta-Modelling and Graph Grammars to Create Modelling Environments , 2003, Electron. Notes Theor. Comput. Sci..

[24]  Grzegorz Rozenberg,et al.  Handbook of Graph Grammars and Computing by Graph Transformations, Volume 1: Foundations , 1997 .

[25]  H. Vangheluwe,et al.  An introduction to multi-paradigm modelling and simulation. , 2002 .

[26]  David Harel,et al.  Statecharts: A Visual Formalism for Complex Systems , 1987, Sci. Comput. Program..

[27]  Gabriele Taentzer,et al.  Parallel and distributed graph transformation - formal description and application to communication-based systems , 1996, Berichte aus der Informatik.