The Model‐Document‐View Architecture and Its Application in Visual Rice Growth Model

Abstract

The object‐oriented paradigm (OOP) provides a methodology for resolving a crop simulation system into subsystems and processes so that a modeler can design objects to simulate their behaviors. Many objects are also devoted to producing object‐oriented user interfaces to simplify operation of the simulator. How to integrate these objects on a higher level and how to make models and user interfaces communicate efficiently are the issues addressed in the current research. The proposed model‐document‐view (MDV) architecture provides the modeler with an extension of OOP programming in crop modeling and a flexible scheme of system management and efficient data communication between simulator and user interface. The main advantage of the MDV architecture is that it separates the domain model, data management, and user interface but allows them to communicate efficiently. By using this architecture, the whole crop modeling system can also be integrated into several MDV groups. The system structure is clear and easy to administer, and communication between objects is more efficient. Here we report our experience with MDV architecture in constructing a rice (Oryza sativa L.) model called Visual Rice Growth Model (VRGM). The objects in VRGM were clustered into three MDV groups. The MDV paradigm was shown to meet the requirements of massive data management and displaying in a crop modeling system. The architecture can be used in any modeling system based on OOP.

A Quantitative Knowledge-based Model for Designing Suitable Growth Dynamics in Rice

“…There have been many studies on the time-course patterns of stem number, LAI and dry matter accumulation in rice, along with their quantitative relationships to different cultivars and cultural conditions, driven by growth dynamics and determined by carbohydrate supply of the crop (Rezaul, 1998;Zhong et al, 1999). Several simulation models have been developed for predicting the eco-physiological processes of growth and yield formation in rice under different conditions (Bouman et al, 2001;Meng et al, 2003;Mi et al, 2003). Some investigators further suggested optimal values of key growth characters for the specifi c rice varieties and conditions by the method of simulation and optimization (Horie et al, 1992).…”

A Library to Generate Synthetic Precipitation Data

“…A proper software design, targeted at achieving an intrinsic reusability of software units, can lead to sharing knowledge in an immediately reusable form. Several studies have been recently published (Acock et al, 1999;Rossiter and Riha, 1999;Donatelli et al, 2003;Fila et al, 2003;Mi et al, 2003), mostly designing reusable dynamic link libraries within the COM (Component Object Model) technology of Windows (www.microsoft.com/com; verified 10 July 2006). Component-oriented programming, which combines object-oriented and modular features, is becoming the leading methodology in developing systems in a variety of domains, including agro-ecological modeling (Argent, 2004).…”