Extending Papyrus-RT to Facilitate Model-Driven Development of Rover Software

Abstract

Model-Driven Development is based on the principle that the code can be automatically generated from software models that capture the high-level implementation of the system. This process of software development can save a lot of time and cost, in addition to eliminating the need for writing complex code. An example of MDD is the development of complex real-time embedded software systems using a real-time profile of UML (UML-RT). Development of this software is difficult mainly due to timing constraints in a resource-constrained environment. Adequate consideration of these timing constraints is very important for ensuring the integrity and reliability of a real-time software system. Papyrus for Real-Time(Papyrus-RT) is an open source modeling environment, which can be used to model complex real-time systems using the UML-RT language. In our thesis, we have taken a rover, an autonomous embedded system vehicle, as our case study. We are extending Papyrus-RT by adding new features to facilitate the model-based development of rover software. The goal of the project is to streamline the process of developing rover software using Papyrus-RT by making it more user-friendly and simpler. One of the key research outcomes is a highly customizable configuration page in the multi-editor panel of Papyrus-RT. The configuration view provides a centralized visualization of a select number of relevant design parameters such as attribute value, property when designing the software for the rovers. Further, it also serves as a single point for all the design modification and customizations. Finally, as a proof of concept, a fully functioning rover is constructed, and the code that is generated through the customized version of our tool is used to drive the rover.