Features and Aspects of Functional Modeling

Abstract

The chapter discusses the possibilities for functional modeling of systems and processes, presenting the features of the used tools. It is indicated that this is an important element of the conceptual analysis of behavior performed in system design. The objects of discussion are functional modeling of system resources, study of algorithmic structures and information processes. The first part is based on the understanding that the structure of a computer device or system can be represented as a functional diagram (synchronous or asynchronous network of functional blocks). Functional modeling of algorithmic structures is based on the study of the logical scheme of an algorithm and its transformation into an ordered form. In addition, the application of D-cards proposed by Dijkstra, and discrete and stochastic graph description are presented. The third part deals with functional modeling of information processes and structures and discusses the opportunities of IDEF technology, data flow diagrams, dialog transition networks, generalized net, and UML apparatus.