UML (Unified Modelling Language) was introduced as language for modeling
of the information systems, but it can be used to describe all elements of
mechatronic system.
UML is derived from three other products: OMT (object modelling technique)
by James Rumbaugh, Booch method by Grady Booch and OOSE (object oriented
software engineering) by Ivar Jacobson. The UML language was improved many
times until version UML 1.3 was accepted as proposal for standard in year
1999. The current UML version specification is 1.4 and proposals for version
2.0 are under discussion. UML represents a collection of the best engineering
practices that have proven successful in the modelling of large and complex
systems. Many successful attempts have been considered to extend the application
of UML to areas beyond informatics.
Any complex system can be presented by a set of nearly independent views
of a model. Single view is not sufficient. Use case diagram and class diagram
(there are described later) are probably used in all UML supported projects.
The choice of what other diagrams are created depend on how a problem is
attacked. In addition to
use case diagram
class diagram
one can create any of behavioural diagrams:
statechart diagram
activity diagram
interaction diagrams:
sequence or collaboration diagram
and implementation diagrams
component diagram
deployment diagram
Terminology and notation of visual modelling with UML can be adopted
as common language for design of the mechatronic systems and as documentation
tool on every design phase. The only exeption are implementation diagrams.
There are not very well suited for mechatronic design and using an
architecture diagram is strongly suggested.