We propose to investigate and prototype an integrated Framework called TimeFrameTM, which shall integrate the modeling, analysis and realization (code generation) of performance critical, reliable, object oriented systems. TimeFrame will utilize UML stereotypes and tagged values and allow modeling of components and interfaces augmented with real-time and reliability specifications. A catalogue facility will enable COTS and custom components/classes to be reused consistently. Using these models, users can generate code targeted towards a standard library, also part of the Framework. The library will consist of (i) standards-based messaging primitives, (ii) distributed resource sets for guaranteed and bounded performance and (iii) interfaces that enable dynamic reconfiguration and active redundant components. Both the code generation and library will be designed for popular languages and platforms thereby supporting a wide variety of projects. In addition, through tight integration with TimeWiz, users will be able to perform performance analysis and generate analysis reports characterizing the ability of the system to meet its deadlines. TimeFrame will also allow specification of custom analysis algorithms of the model to aggregate and extract other reliability and performance aspects. Integration with TimeTrace, TimeQoS and TimeStorm will provide both high-level and low-level debugging and profiling support for the Framework. TimeFrame will be scalable to support a large number of components and provide a visual, hierarchical organization facility.
Benefits: In U.S. defense systems, fly-by-wire avionics, process control, nuclear power control, automated manufacturing, air traffic control and medical systems, life-threatening situations can arise if failures occur due to the misuse of reusable object-oriented software. The TimeFrame framework will maintain, model and analyze the timing and reliability properties of software components and enable the disciplined development and reuse of object-oriented components in the design of such systems.
Keywords: Hierarchical visual design;, Object-Oriented Programming,;, Timing & reliability analysis;, Automatic Code Generation;, Component catalog;, Real-Time UML;, Extensibility;, Openness
