AToM3: A Tool for Multi-formalism and Meta-modelling

Abstract

Abstract. This article introduces the combined use of multi-formalism modelling and meta-modelling to facilitate computer assisted modelling of complex systems. The approach allows one to model different parts of a system using different formalisms. Models can be automatically converted between formalisms thanks to information found in a Formalism Transformation Graph (FTG), proposed by the authors. To aid in the automatic generation of multi-formalism modelling tools, formalisms are modelled in their own right (at a meta-level) within an appropriate formalism. This has been implemented in the interactive tool AToM 3 . This tool is used to describe formalisms commonly used in the simulation of dynamical systems, as well as to generate custom tools to process (create, edit, transform, simulate, optimise, ...) models expressed in the corresponding formalism. AToM 3 relies on graph rewriting techniques and graph grammars to perform the transformations between formalisms as well as for other tasks, such as code generation and operational semantics specification.

A UML/OCL framework for the analysis of graph transformation rules

“…In order to improve the usability of our analysis framework, we have hidden the analysis process behind a graphical front-end tool called AToM 3 [34]. This meta-modelling tool generates customized modelling environments for DSVLs, and allows defining model manipulations by graph transformation.…”

“…As a first step, the designer specifies the graph transformation rules and selects the properties to verify using the graphical modelling environment provided by the AToM 3 tool [34]. This tool allows the definition of the syntax of DSVLs using meta-modelling and model manipulation via graph transformation.…”

A Meta-Model Based Approach for Definition of a Multi-Formalism Modeling Framework

“…Möbius [9], AToM 3 [10] and OsMoSys [11] are examples of multi-formalism modeling tools that are found in the literature. Among these works, OsMoSys is closer than the others to our work in using meta-models.…”

“…As the best of our knowledge, this framework has not a complete formal definition. In [10], the framework is defined in a semi-formal manner and it is not possible to precisely define new formalisms in the framework. OsMoSys model solution approach is based on a new formal language definition, named SPDL, which forces a modeler to learn its complex syntax.…”

“…The final tool we discuss is AToM 3 [10]. It uses meta-models to support modeling by different modeling languages.…”