Towards a methodology of system manifestation features-based pre-embodiment design

Abstract

The main assumption is that complicated systems, such as cyberphysical systems (CPSs), can be modelled by specific compositions of system manifestation features (SMFs). SMFs are regarded as architectural domains of a system having significance from an operational viewpoint. As system modelling entities, SMFs represent both physical and computing transformations of domains. Based on mereo-operandi theory (MOT), a computational framework for using SMFs in pre-embodiment design of CPSs is proposed. MOT offers a theoretical platform for concurrent modelling of architectural elements and their operations. The traditional 'application feature technology' has been generalised in order to provide a methodological basis. The computational formalisation captures state transitions and input/ output streams, in addition to spatiotemporal, physical and/or computational attributes of domains. Domain transformations are represented by flows of operation (FoOs) that consist of timesequenced and logically constrained sets of units of operations (UoOs), and processed by various computational methods as procedures. The domains of SMFs are aggregated into a feasible architecture, and their UoOs are combined into FoOs. An application case is used to explain the concepts and to demonstrate feasibility of the proposed approach. Further research will focus on implementation of an SMFs-based preembodiment design system and testing its feasibility and usability with designers of CPSs.

Using DSMs in Functionally Driven Explorative Design Experiments – an Automation Approach

“…Automated and parametric design studies are already well established for later design phases, where design embodiment (e.g., a parametric CAD model) is available (Amadori et al, 2012). This enables the exploitation of design automation for the pre-embodiment phases (Pourtalebi & Horváth, 2016) as well.…”

A Review of the Principles of Designing Smart Cyber-Physical Systems for Run-Time Adaptation: Learned Lessons and Open Issues

“…The concept of system manifestation features has been developed to support modeling and simulation of complex, heterogeneous, and adaptive CPSs [92]. A reference model for self-adaptive systems where adaptation goals and monitoring requirements change dynamically, DYNAMICO enables faster software development [47].…”

Design, modelling, simulation and integration of cyber physical systems: Methods and applications

“…In the past, the paradigmatic changes associated with the developments in computer technology were not only the drivers of evolution, but also brought about a revolution in systems concepts and thinking [PoHo16]. The promise of the Cyber Physical revolution is that it enables the physical world to be monitored, controlled and influenced both adaptively and intelligently.…”

“…This is important with a view to the historical development of the current position in which the ontology, epistemology, methodology, axiology, and praxeology of information and computation sciences, on the one hand, and of the physical sciences (natural, chemical, biological) on the other are separated, creating a divergence in both scientific foundations and technologies. While networked personal computing, embedded, ubiquitous, and pervasive computing all lead to a functional and implementational diversification of types of technical systems, Cyber Physical computing stimulates a technological homogenization and convergence in system manifestation [PoHo16]. In this context, currently differentiated systems are likely to show more and more similarities in terms of enabling technologies and functional spectrum, and this convergence is likely to become increasingly significant in the near future.…”