7.6.1 Applying the Object Oriented Systems Engineering Method to A Simple Hardware System

Abstract

The application of Object‐Oriented Systems Engineering Method (OOSEM) to hardware systems has been controversial since it was initiated. This paper will explore its applicability and its effectiveness relative to traditional systems engineering approach. A simple Mouse Trap hardware system was used for the case study. The System Requirements can be derived from the System Diagram. The Activity Diagram can be used to visualize the workflow scenario. The Sequence Diagram can provide earlier interface identification between subsystems. The Collaboration Diagram shows the functional and physical data between subsystems. The Logical Architecture and allocation can generate logical components and develop the Class Diagram for subsystems. The design of this simple hardware system can be accomplished using the OOSEM. A definitive conclusion cannot be made as to which approach, between the traditional systems engineering and OOSEM, is better in assisting a simple hardware system design.

4.3.3 Applying Systems Modeling Language to A Simple Hardware System

“…UML modeling technique was used in the application of OOSEM (Hsu et al 2004) to this simple hardware system. It was concluded that the OOSEM, or a similar process, could be applied to a simple hardware system design.…”

“…The physical design of the spring is based on load requirement and equations that are part of the model. This was not part of the model in (Hsu, et al 2004).…”

“…Requirements and parametric diagrams are newly defined for SysML. Based on the above SysML definitions, the use case diagram for Mouse Trap Device in (Hsu et al 2004) is still applicable. The operational scenario can be understood from the use case diagram shown in (Hsu et al 2004).…”

“…An assembly model for the Mouse Trap Device is shown in Figure 8. The blocks representing subsystems in the model are the same as the classes shown in UML class diagram (Hsu, et al 2004). This model depicts the Mouse Trap Base (S1) that is connected by fasteners to the other three subsystems, i.e., Bait Holder (S2), Lock Assembly (S3) and Bow Assembly (S4).…”

“…It was further explored by applying UML on a simple hardware machine (Hsu et al 2004). The hardware requirements and the associated subsystems could be developed if a good systems engineering process was utilized with a true domain expert in architecture.…”