Generating Constraints in a Class Model

Abstract

A method of generating code from a class model for a modeled system. The class model specifies a plurality of elements of a modeling language and dependencies between elements of a plurality of elements. In operations the method analyzes the class model to identify a first possible source of under-specification with respect to the modeled system in the class model by using pattern recognition to find an occurrence of a first problem pattern of a plurality of problem patterns in the class model, the plurality of problem patterns are then stored in a repository. The method also includes identifying a set of constraint patterns where the at least first constraint pattern is linked in the repository to the first problem pattern. A user may then select a constraint pattern which is utilized in instantiating constraints and generating code based on the class model and the instantiated constraints.

1 . A method for generating code from a class model for a modeled system, said class model specifying a plurality of elements of a modeling language, dependencies between and constraints on elements of said plurality of elements, the method comprising:
 an analysis step for analyzing said class model to identify a first possible source of under-specification with respect to the modeled system in said class model by using pattern recognition to find an occurrence of a first problem pattern of a plurality of problem patterns in said class model, said plurality of problem patterns being stored in a repository;   a selection step for selecting a set of constraint patterns comprising at least a first constraint pattern, said at least first constraint pattern being linked in said repository to said first problem pattern, said at least first constraint pattern being a resolution to said first possible source of under-specification in the class model;   a presentation step for presenting said set of constraint patterns to a user;   a reception step for receiving a user selection from said user, said user selection comprising a selected constraint pattern from said set of constraint patterns;   an instantiation step for instantiating constraints from said selected constraint pattern; and   a code generation step (or generating code based on said class model and the instantiated constraints.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the presentation step and the reception step are omitted if the set of constraint patterns comprises only one constraint pattern, and the constraint pattern is automatically selected. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the selection step further comprises determining conflicts between constraints in said class model and constraint patterns in said set of constraint patterns. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said set of constraint patterns being selected from a repository storing parameterizable constraint patterns. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said parameterizable constraint patterns are stored with information about potential conflicts and redundancies with other constraint patterns. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 □wherein said parameterizable constraint patterns are parameterizable by moving elements of said plurality of elements into parameter slots of said parameterizable constraint patterns. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 □wherein the presentation step ( 506 ) further comprises presenting a context, a description and potential resolution alternatives as a table to said user, wherein said context comprises an identifier of the element of said plurality of elements associated with said first possible source of under-specification, said description describes said first possible source of under-specification, and said potential resolution alternatives comprise identifiers of said at least first constraint pattern. 
     
     
         8 . A data-processing system for generating code from a class model for a modeled system, said class model specifying a plurality of elements of a modeling language and dependencies between elements of said plurality of elements, the data-processing system comprising:
 a class model analyzer for analyzing said class model to identify a first possible source of under-specification with respect to the modeled system in said class model by using pattern recognition to find an occurrence of a first problem pattern of a plurality of problem patterns in said class model, said plurality of problem patterns being stored in a repository;   a pattern selector for selecting a set of constraint patterns comprising at least a first constraint pattern, said at least first constraint pattern being linked in said repository to said first problem pattern, said at least first constraint pattern being a resolution to said first possible source of under-specification in the class model;   an output device for presenting said set of constraint patterns to a user;   an input device for receiving a user selection from said user, said user selection comprising a selected constraint pattern from said set of constraint patterns;   an instantiator for instantiating constraints from said selected constraint pattern; and   a code generator for generating code based on said class model and the instantiated constraints.   
     
     
         9 . The data-processing system of  claim 8 , wherein the presenting and the receiving are omitted if the set of constraint patterns comprises only one constraint pattern and the constraint pattern is automatically selected. 
     
     
         10 . The data-processing system of  claim 8 , wherein the pattern selector is adapted for determining conflicts between constraints in said class model and constraint patterns in said set of constraint patterns. 
     
     
         11 . The data-processing system of  claim 8 , wherein said set of constraint patterns being selected from a repository storing parameterizable constraint patterns. 
     
     
         12 . The data-processing system of  claim 11 , wherein said parameterizable constraint patterns are stored with information about potential conflicts and redundancies with other constraint patterns. 
     
     
         13 . The data-processing system of  claim 11 , wherein said parameterizable constraint patterns are parameterizable by moving elements of said plurality of elements into parameter slots of said parameterizable constraint patterns. 
     
     
         14 . The data-processing system of a  claim 8  wherein the output device is further adapted for presenting a context, a description and potential resolution alternatives as a table to said user, wherein said context comprises an identifier of the element of said plurality of elements associated with said first possible source of under-specification, said description describes said first possible source of under-specification, and said potential resolution alternatives comprise identifiers of said at least first constraint pattern.