Semantically Correct Representation of Multi-Model Interoperations

摘要

In applying Modeling & Simulation techniques to solve complex problems, different types of models are used to address the multiple aspects of the problems. While each model might be capable of answering specific questions, interoperation between models can provide more insights and allow for those models to complement/supplement each other. We call the use of multiple interoperating models to solve complex problems Multi-Modeling. In this paper we present an approach in representing Multi-Model interoperation in the form of Multi-Modeling Workflows. This kind of representation is full of syntactic and semantic challenges. In order to address these challenges we propose the definition of a Domain Specific Multi-Modeling Workflow Language and a supporting Ontology for each class of problems. We begin with domain characterization and analysis to identify the multi-modeling concepts and modeling techniques associated with a domain of interest. Once sufficient domain analysis is performed, the Domain Specific Multi-Modeling Workflow Language and the supporting Ontology are defined. For solving a specific problem in a specific domain, workflows of interoperating models can be constructed using the new language. The ontology is used to guarantee the semantic correctness of the constructed workflows with respect to the domain of interest.