Unified UML Model Synchronizing Multiple Architecture Viewpoints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current architecture modeling methods for IT systems lack the ability to efficiently generate and synchronize multiple architecture viewpoints within a unified modeling language (UML) model, leading to suboptimal documentation and optimization of IT resources.
Innovation Solution
A UML modeling tool that allows users to select and synchronize multiple architecture viewpoints by associating and displaying specific model elements from a configuration file, automatically updating all viewpoints when changes are made to one viewpoint, using algorithms to manage model element additions and deletions across the UML model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple architecture viewpoints are modeled separately in different UML models, then each viewpoint can be independently managed and updated, but the documentation becomes fragmented and inconsistent across viewpoints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple architecture viewpoints into a single UML model by creating multiple viewpoint packages within one model. Each viewpoint is represented as a package containing relevant model elements, allowing all viewpoints to coexist in a unified model while maintaining their individual structures and relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single UML model into multiple viewpoint packages, where each package represents a specific architecture viewpoint. This segmentation allows independent management and organization of model elements within each viewpoint while maintaining overall unity and consistency across all viewpoints in the single model.
2Ease of operation
If manual updates are made to one architecture viewpoint, then specific changes can be implemented, but other viewpoints become outdated and require manual synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic synchronization mechanism that provides feedback when model elements are added, removed, or modified in one viewpoint. The system detects these changes and automatically propagates them to other viewpoints that reference the same model elements, ensuring consistency without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes preliminary relationships between model elements across different viewpoint packages during model creation. These pre-defined associations enable the automatic synchronization mechanism to identify which viewpoints need to be updated when changes occur, allowing the system to prepare for and execute synchronized updates efficiently.
3Loss of information
If all model elements are displayed in every architecture viewpoint, then complete information is available, but the views become cluttered and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different viewpoint packages to display different subsets of model elements relevant to each specific viewpoint. Each viewpoint package can be configured to show only the model elements that are pertinent to that viewpoint, providing a customized view that is both complete for its purpose and free from irrelevant clutter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic visibility control where model elements can be shown or hidden in different viewpoint packages based on their relevance to each viewpoint. This dynamic approach allows the same model element to be visible in some viewpoints and invisible in others, enabling users to navigate different views with appropriate levels of detail without losing access to complete information.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a system and a program product provide for defining for an information technology (IT) system that may be modeled within the context of a plurality of architecture viewpoints, and whose model elements are defined within a configuration file, a plurality of architecture viewpoints within a single UML model. The method, the system and the program product also provide for synchronously automatically updating a remainder of the architecture viewpoints when one of the architecture viewpoints is manually updated.