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The Unified Modeling Language for Real Time (UML-RT) is a UML-based domain-specific language for modelling real-time embedded systems. HCL RTist, a model-based development environment for creating complex, event-driven and real-time software with advanced automation features provided by HCL Technologies, provides advanced support for UML-RT. Historically, as for the majority of UML profiles, editing support for UML-RT has also mainly exploited graphical notations (e.g., composite component and state-machine diagrams). Nevertheless, our previous experiments with blended graphical and textual modelling showed that the seamless use of different notations (i.e., graphical and textual) can significantly boost the work of architects and modellers. The results of those experiments together with the exposed wish of RTist customers of being able to design software architectures and applications via multiple notations led us to initiate this work towards an automated support for blended modelling of UML-RT. In this paper we describe the first step of the work -- the effort of designing, implementing and integrating a textual notation for UML-RT state-machines in RTist.

Introduction: Blended modeling aims at boosting the development of complex multi-domain systems by enabling seamless multi-notation modeling. The synchronization mechanisms between notations are embodied in model transformations. Manually defining model transformations requires specific knowledge of transformation languages, and it is a time-consuming and error-prone task. Moreover, whenever any of the synchronized languages or notations evolves, those transformations become obsolete. Methods: In this paper, we propose an automated solution for generating synchronization transformations in an industrial setting.

Results: The approach entails i) the specification of mapping rules between two arbitrary domain-specific modeling languages leveraging a mapping modeling language, appositely defined for this purpose, and ii) the automatic generation of synchronization model transformations driven by the mapping rules.

Discussion: We validated the proposed approach in two use cases. Although our main goal was to provide a solution for synchronization between graphical and textual notations of UML-RT state machines, the proposed approach is language- and notation-agnostic.

Collaborative model-driven software engineering fosters efficient cooperation among stakeholders who collaborate on shared models. Yet, the involvement of multiple parties brings forth valid concerns about the confidentiality and integrity of shared information. Unrestricted access to such information, especially when not pertinent to individual responsibilities, poses significant risks, including unauthorized information exposure and potential harm to information integrity. This work proposes a dual-layered solution implemented as an open-source Eclipse plugin that leverages the role-based access control policy to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of model information in collaborative modeling environments. The first layer limits stakeholders' access to the shared model based on their specific roles, while the second layer refines this access by restricting manipulations to individual model elements. By ensuring that stakeholders access only the information pertinent to their roles and are authorized to manipulate such information in accordance with their expertise and responsibilities, this approach ensures the confidentiality and integrity of shared model information. Furthermore, it alleviates information overload for stakeholders by enabling them to focus only on the model information relevant to their specific roles, thereby enhancing the collaborative efforts. 

The ever increasing complexity of modern software systems requires engineers to constantly raise the level of abstraction at which they operate to suppress the excessive complex details of real systems and develop efficient architectures. Model Driven Engineering has emerged as a paradigm that enables not only abstraction but also automation. UML, an industry de-facto standard for modelling software systems, has established itself as a diagram-based modelling language. However, focusing on only one specific notation limits human communication and the pool of available engineering tools. The results of our prior experiments support this claim and promote the seamless use of multiple notations to develop and manipulate models. In this paper we detail our efforts on the provision of a fully blended (i.e., graphical and textual) modelling environment for UML-RT state-machines in an industrial context. We report on the definition of a textual syntax and advanced textual editing for UML-RT state-machines as well as the provision of synchronization mechanisms between graphical and textual editors. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Blended modeling aims to improve the user experience of modeling activities by prioritizing the seamless interaction with models through multiple notations over the consistency of the models. Inconsistency tolerance, thus, becomes an important aspect in such settings. To understand the potential of current commercial and open-source modeling tools to support blended modeling, we have designed and carried out a systematic study. We identify challenges and opportunities in the tooling aspect of blended modeling. Specifically, we investigate the user-facing and implementation-related characteristics of existing modeling tools that already support multiple types of notations and map their support for other blended aspects, such as inconsistency tolerance, and elevated user experience. For the sake of completeness, we have conducted a multivocal study, encompassing an academic review, and grey literature review. We have reviewed nearly 5000 academic papers and nearly 1500 entries of grey literature. We have identified 133 candidate tools, and eventually selected 26 of them to represent the current spectrum of modeling tools.