State chart visualization of the control flow within an ACT-R/PM user model

Abstract

We present a novel visualization for ACT-R/PM models of cognitive processes to support the model development. Because the underlying production system paradigm does not specify an explicit flow of control, it is rather difficult to grasp the structure of this kind of user models. Therefore, we developed an algorithm that analyzes the interdependencies of ACT-R/PM productions by resembling the main parts of the matching process of the production cycle. The algorithm produces a graph with nodes as specifications of the state of the declarative memory and edges as productions which are applicable in these states. States are generalized to reduce the complexity of the control flow. The graph is transformed into a state-chart like visual representation. Goal oriented behavior with sub-goaling is considered with subgraphs. The algorithm is implemented as a plug-in for the integrated development environment eclipse

Visual Modelling of Complex Business Processes with Trees, Overlays and Distortion-based Displays

“…A vast number of visual technologies have been applied in the business process modelling domain to capture graphical representations of the major processes, flows and data stores [11]. Examples include Entity-relationship models [19], Data Flow Diagrams [4], Aspect-oriented Modelling [2], Flowchart Models [17], Form Chart Approaches [8], Scenarios [10], Use Cases [6], Constraint Based Languages [11] and Integration Definition for Functional and workflow Modelling [21]. Despite their different visual approaches, most of these modelling technologies and their notations rely on the use of process flow or "workflow" structure to describe the business processes.…”

“…These include lack of an efficient way to reduce the complexity and enhance the scalability of large business diagrams, "cobweb" and "labyrinth" layouts in large processes, requiring long term memory use for multi-view support; introducing many hidden dependencies; lack of multiple levels of abstraction support; and most of them only emphasize process modelling, missing the ability to model system functional architecture [2][11] [14] [17].…”

Eml:a Tree Overlay-Based Visual Language for Business Process Modelling

“…Examples include Entity-relationship models (Chen. 2002), Data Flow Diagrams, Flow Charts (Urbas, Nekarsova and Leuchter 2005), Scenarios, Use Cases, and Integration Definition for Functional and workflow Modelling (Eriksson and Penker, 2000).…”