Implicit Variability Rules for Software Component Architecture Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unified Modeling Language (UML) does not sufficiently support variability elements for software architecture design, leading to difficulties in representing complex interlocking relationships and preventing automatic interlocking setting errors in software product lines.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that apply implicit variability rules to component model-based software design, using a category-determination unit to identify and an implicit-variability-rule-application unit to apply these rules to associated component model elements, simplifying the setting of complex interlocking relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If UML is used for software architecture design, then a regular structure of specific software system can be represented, but variability elements and complex interlocking relationships cannot be sufficiently supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary rule-based system between UML models and variability requirements. The rule engine acts as a mediator that automatically translates variability settings into UML-compatible interlocking relationships, eliminating the need for manual complex relationship setting while fully supporting variability elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the variability settings automatically trigger the generation of appropriate interlocking relationships through embedded rules. The architecture design process becomes self-configuring, where specifying variability in one location automatically propagates to all relevant components without manual intervention.
2Productivity
If manual interlocking relationship setting is performed for variability elements, then accuracy can be controlled, but productivity and time efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the rule engine continuously validates generated interlocking relationships against variability settings. This feedback loop ensures accuracy by detecting and preventing inconsistent relationships, while simultaneously maintaining high productivity through automated generation rather than manual verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining a comprehensive set of variability rules and their corresponding interlocking relationships before the actual design process. This preliminary configuration enables rapid automated generation during design, achieving both high productivity and reliability without manual setting time.
3Productivity
If automatic interlocking setting is implemented, then productivity is improved, but setting errors may occur due to lack of detailed analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical setting of interlocking relationships with an automated rule-based system. The rule engine substitutes human manual configuration with computational logic that systematically applies variability rules, eliminating human error while maintaining precision through rigorous rule validation and consistent application.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing variability rules for component model and architecture design are provided. The apparatus includes a category-determination unit which determines a category of implicit variability rules with respect to variability-set component model elements and elements associated with the variability-set component model elements; and an implicit-variability-rule-application unit which applies the implicit variability rules, which are given to the category, to the elements associated with the variability-set component model elements.