Theory of Meta-Models

WPTA

Start month: 1

Duration:  24 months

Participant:

UCAM

AQUI

INRIA

UCB

VU

1

Objectives: Execution environments and development environments are two essential components of embedded system development. Meta models and meta-modeling play crucial role in both areas. In execution environments, meta-modeling is used for capturing the semantics of models and computations and communication. In development environments, meta-modeling offers an effective approach to formally model the abstract syntax and static semantics of domain-specific modeling languages. In this work package, we will contribute to the development of advanced meta-modeling techniques in both.

2

Work Description: The work will be arranged around two main tasks. The first is the development of a framework where formal models can be rigorously defined, compared and their interconnections be unambiguously specified. The development will be based on a number of results from abstract algebra. The framework will form the foundation of an intermediate format that will supply the embedded software design infrastructure with a formal mechanism for interoperability among tools and specification methods.

In the second task, we will extend previous work on the use of meta-models for the specification and validation of modeling languages for hybrid systems. Of particular interest are mathematical formalisms that enable the concise representation and composition of complex, multiple-aspect modeling languages. Coordinating this work with VU will accelerate the convergence toward widely applicable meta-modeling technology.

3

Deliverables

DTA1: Report on formal framework.

DTA2: Report on the use of meta-models for hybrid systems.

DTA3: Contribution to the final project deliverable.

4

Milestones

Month 18: DTA1 report (public)

Month 24: DTA2 report (public)

Month 24: DTA3, contribution to the final project deliverable

5

Interrelation with other WPs

The results of WPTA will be used as input from WPMM, and ultimately WPDF.