Formalizing the NIST 4-D/RCS Reference Model Architecture Using an Architectural211 Description Language

摘要

The 4-D/Real-Time Control System (RCS) Reference Model Architecture provides a211u001ewell-defined strategy for development of software components for applications in 211u001erobotics, automated manufacturing, and autonomous vehicles. To further this work, 211u001ean investigation has been conducted into the use of Architectural Description 211u001eLanguages (ADLs) as a means to provide a more formal, rigorous definition of the 211u001e4;D/RCS Reference Model Architecture and to specify software components for 4-211u001eD/RCS systems. In this report, we describe the results of an investigation into 211u001ethe use of ADLs to specify 4-D/RCS software systems, and assess the potential 211u001evalue of ADLs as specification and development tools for RCS domain experts. We 211u001econclude that ADLs not only can be used successfully to specify the 4-D/RCS 211u001eReference Model, but that they also serve as effective tools to enhance and 211u001eextend this model. We also find that ADLs potentially can provide a formal basis 211u001efor automatically checking the consistency of architecture specifications and 211u001everifying designs of RCS-based systems against the standardized 4-D/RCS Reference 211u001eModel. The report discusses prospects for automated reuse of components specified 211u001ewith an ADL, and makes recommendations on improving ADLs as effective tools for 211u001especifying, communicating, and validating 4-d/RCS system designs and software 211u001ecomponents. Finally, the report discusses potential influence of ADLs for 211u001ecommercial software development tools and provides future directions for 211u001eresearch.