Showing papers on "Object-oriented design published in 2007"

Empirical Validation of Three Software Metrics Suites to Predict Fault-Proneness of Object-Oriented Classes Developed Using Highly Iterative or Agile Software Development Processes

Abstract: Empirical validation of software metrics suites to predict fault proneness in object-oriented (OO) components is essential to ensure their practical use in industrial settings. In this paper, we empirically validate three OO metrics suites for their ability to predict software quality in terms of fault-proneness: the Chidamber and Kemerer (CK) metrics, Abreu's Metrics for Object-Oriented Design (MOOD), and Bansiya and Davis' Quality Metrics for Object-Oriented Design (QMOOD). Some CK class metrics have previously been shown to be good predictors of initial OO software quality. However, the other two suites have not been heavily validated except by their original proposers. Here, we explore the ability of these three metrics suites to predict fault-prone classes using defect data for six versions of Rhino, an open-source implementation of JavaScript written in Java. We conclude that the CK and QMOOD suites contain similar components and produce statistical models that are effective in detecting error-prone classes. We also conclude that the class components in the MOOD metrics suite are not good class fault-proneness predictors. Analyzing multivariate binary logistic regression models across six Rhino versions indicates these models may be useful in assessing quality in OO classes produced using modern highly iterative or agile software development processes.

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Abstract: We present a system for inserting new objects into existing photographs by querying a vast image-based object library, pre-computed using a publicly available Internet object database. The central goal is to shield the user from all of the arduous tasks typically involved in image compositing. The user is only asked to do two simple things: 1) pick a 3D location in the scene to place a new object; 2) select an object to insert using a hierarchical menu. We pose the problem of object insertion as a data-driven, 3D-based, context-sensitive object retrieval task. Instead of trying to manipulate the object to change its orientation, color distribution, etc. to fit the new image, we simply retrieve an object of a specified class that has all the required properties (camera pose, lighting, resolution, etc) from our large object library. We present new automatic algorithms for improving object segmentation and blending, estimating true 3D object size and orientation, and estimating scene lighting conditions. We also present an intuitive user interface that makes object insertion fast and simple even for the artistically challenged.

Boundary Objects in Design: An Ecological View of Design Artifacts

Abstract: Traditionally, Systems Analysis and Design (SAD) research has focused on ways of working and ways of modeling. Design ecology – the task, organizational and political context surrounding design – is less well understood. In particular, relationships between design routines and products within ecologies have not received sufficient attention. In this paper, we theorize about design product and ecology relationships and deliberate on how design products – viewed as boundary objects – bridge functional knowledge and stakeholder power gaps across different social worlds. We identify four essential features of design boundary objects: capability to promote shared representation, capability to transform design knowledge, capability to mobilize for action, and capability to legitimize design knowledge. We show how these features help align, integrate, and transform heterogeneous technical and domain knowledge across social worlds as well as mobilize, coordinate, and align stakeholder power. We illustrate through an ethnography of a large aerospace laboratory how two design artifacts – early proto-architectures and project plans – shared these four features to coalesce design processes and propel successful movement of designs across social worlds. These artifacts resolved uncertainty associated with functional requirements and garnered political momentum to choose among design solutions. Altogether, the study highlights the importance of design boundary objects in multi-stakeholder designs and stresses the need to formulate sociology-based design theories on how knowledge is produced and consumed in complex SAD tasks.

Object oriented data analysis: Sets of trees

Abstract: Object oriented data analysis is the statistical analysis of populations of complex objects. In the special case of functional data analysis, these data objects are curves, where standard Euclidean approaches, such as principal component analysis, have been very successful. Recent developments in medical image analysis motivate the statistical analysis of populations of more complex data objects which are elements of mildly non-Euclidean spaces, such as Lie groups and symmetric spaces, or of strongly non-Euclidean spaces, such as spaces of tree-structured data objects. These new contexts for object oriented data analysis create several potentially large new interfaces between mathematics and statistics. This point is illustrated through the careful development of a novel mathematical framework for statistical analysis of populations of tree-structured objects.

The offline software framework of the Pierre Auger Observatory

Abstract: The Pierre Auger Observatory is designed to unveil the nature and the origins of the highest energy cosmic rays. The large and geographically dispersed collaboration of physicists and the wide-ranging collection of simulation and reconstruction tasks pose some special challenges for the offline analysis software. We have designed and implemented a general purpose framework which allows collaborators to contribute algorithms and sequencing instructions to build up the variety of applications they require. The framework includes machinery to manage these user codes, to organize the abundance of user-contributed configuration files, to facilitate multi-format file handling, and to provide access to event and time-dependent detector information which can reside in various data sources. A number of utilities are also provided, including a novel geometry package which allows manipulation of abstract geometrical objects independent of coordinate system choice. The framework is implemented in C ++ , and takes advantage of object oriented design and common open source tools, while keeping the user side simple enough for C ++ novices to learn in a reasonable time. The distribution system incorporates unit and acceptance testing in order to support rapid development of both the core framework and contributed user code.

Exploiting Object Hierarchy: Combining Models from Different Category Levels

Abstract: We investigated the computational properties of natural object hierarchy in the context of constellation object class models, and its utility for object class recognition. We first observed an interesting computational property of the object hierarchy: comparing the recognition rate when using models of objects at different levels, the higher more inclusive levels (e.g., closed-frame vehicles or vehicles) exhibit higher recall but lower precision when compared with the class specific level (e.g., bus). These inherent differences suggest that combining object classifiers from different hierarchical levels into a single classifier may improve classification, as it appears like these models capture different aspects of the object. We describe a method to combine these classifiers, and analyze the conditions under which improvement can be guaranteed. When given a small sample of a new object class, we describe a method to transfer knowledge across the tree hierarchy, between related objects. Finally, we describe extensive experiments using object hierarchies obtained from publicly available datasets, and show that the combined classifiers significantly improve recognition results.

Accurate Object Localization with Shape Masks

Abstract: This paper proposes an approach for object class localization which goes beyond bounding boxes, as it also determines the outline of the object. Unlike most current localization methods, our approach does not require any hypothesis parameter space to be defined. Instead, it directly generates, evaluates and clusters shape masks. Thus, the presented framework produces more informative results for object class localization. For example, it easily learns and detects possible object viewpoints and articulations, which are often well characterized by the object outline. We evaluate the proposed approach on the challenging natural-scene Graz-02 object classes dataset. The results demonstrate the extended localization capabilities of our method.

Towards 3D object maps for autonomous household robots

Abstract: This paper describes a mapping system that acquires 3D object models of man-made indoor environments such as kitchens. The system segments and geometrically reconstructs cabinets with doors, tables, drawers, and shelves, objects that are important for robots retrieving and manipulating objects in these environments. The system also acquires models of objects of daily use such glasses, plates, and ingredients. The models enable the recognition of the objects in cluttered scenes and the classification of newly encountered objects. Key technical contributions include (1) a robust, accurate, and efficient algorithm for constructing complete object models from 3D point clouds constituting partial object views, (2) feature-based recognition procedures for cabinets, tables, and other task-relevant furniture objects, and (3) automatic inference of object instance and class signatures for objects of daily use that enable robots to reliably recognize the objects in cluttered and real task contexts. We present results from the sensor-based mapping of a real kitchen.

Managing relationships of heterogeneous objects

Abstract: Software for managing relationships between heterogeneous objects is operable to identify a target object. The software automatically determines related objects using at least one object type application programming interface (API) for an object type associated with the target object. The software is further operable to populate a relationship data structure based on the determined relationships. The software can then provide the relationship data structure to a requesting module.

Persistent authenticating system and method

Abstract: A persistent authenticating system and method to map real world object presence into virtual world object awareness are provided. The illustrative embodiments provide a mechanism by which the presence of a real world object is detected and, while the real world object's presence is continued to be detected, it is made available for use in a virtual environment. The detection of the real world object provides an identifier of the object which is correlated with information regarding how to represent the object in the virtual environment, how the object may be utilized in relation to other objects in the virtual environment such that the real world object is modeled in the virtual environment, and the like. The detection of multiple real world objects may be performed and identification of each of the multiple objects may be used to determine how these objects may be utilized together in the virtual environment.

On the Use of UML for Modeling Mechatronic Systems

Abstract: This paper describes a modeling language that aims to provide a unified framework for representing control systems, namely, physical plants coupled with computer-based control devices. The proposed modeling methodology is based on the cardinal principle of object orientation, which allows describing both control software and physical components using the same basic concepts, particularly those of capsules, ports, and protocols. Furthermore, it is illustrated how the well-known object-oriented specification language unified modeling language can be adopted, provided an adequate formalization of its semantics, to describe structural and behavioral aspects of control systems, related to both logical and physical parts. Note to Practitioners-The development of an automated system within an industrial setting is a complex task, whose successful result depends on the joint efforts of a team of designers with different scientific backgrounds and specialized knowledge. In fact, an automated system is typically composed of a mechanical assembly, which must be precisely designed and manufactured, and a set of sensors and actuators (e.g., electrical drives, pneumatic systems, etc.), which are, on their turn, controlled most of the time by means of digital processors. Of course, both electrical parts and control algorithms (e.g., proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) regulators, logic and supervisory control, reference trajectories for mechanical motions, etc.) should be designed with the same care given to mechanical aspects. Moreover, it is undeniable that none of the various parts composing the automated system design specification can, on their own, allow engineers to understand the actual behavior of the whole system, especially without a common description language that is understandable for all of the designers. The present paper introduces a unified language which aims to support integrated design specifications of automated systems, including the dynamics of heterogeneous physical assemblies, the discrete-event behavior of distributed control software, and the specification of interface ports between the plant and the control system. With the proposed language, it is possible to obtain a complete picture of the automated system suitable for its simulation, documentation, and validation. The modeling language described in the paper supports the principles of object orientation. This choice moves in the direction of enhancing modularity and reusability properties of design specifications, which are aspects of great importance in the design practice. Moreover, the object-oriented approach to automated systems design proposed in the paper aims to introduce the concept of "design by extension" in the manufacturing industry. This means that the definition of specialization relationships between classes of components implies that those components should be designed in order to be substitutable with each other, especially from a dynamic point of view. This aspect will be the subject of further papers illustrating other practical insights on the use of object-oriented models for automated systems

Notation and representation in collaborative object-oriented design: an observational study

Abstract: Software designers in the object-oriented paradigm can make use of modeling tools and standard notations such as UML. Nevertheless, casual observations from collocated design collaborations suggest that teams tend to use physical mediums to sketch a plethora of informal diagrams in varied representations that often diverge from UML. To better understand such collaborations and support them with tools, we need to understand the origins, roles, uses, and implications of these alternate representations. To this end we conducted observational studies of collaborative design exercises, in which we focused on representation use. Our primary finding is that teams intentionally improviserepresentations and organize design information in responseto ad-hoc needs, which arise from the evolution of the design, and which are difficult to meet with fixed standard notations. This behavior incurs orientation and grounding difficulties for which teams compensate by relying on memory, other communication mediums, and contextual cues. Without this additional information the artifacts are difficult to interpret and have limited documentation potential. Collaborative design tools and processes should therefore focus on preserving contextual information while permitting unconstrained mixing and improvising of notations.

Automatic electronic discovery of heterogeneous objects for litigation

Abstract: Software for automatically managing electronic discovery receives a request for electronic objects, where the request is associated with a litigation matter and the requested objects comprise at least a first object of a first object type and a second object of a second object type. The example software is further operable to automatically execute an electronic discovery process for the objects based on the request and a rules repository to identify a plurality of discovery objects.

System And Method For Generating 3D Scenes

Abstract: A system comprises memory for storing a 2D background object and a 2D object for a 2D storyboard frame, the 2D background object including 2D background metadata defining attributes of the 2D background object, the 2D object including 2D object metadata defining attributes of the 2D object; a camera module for creating and positioning a camera object relative to a 3D image plane based on the 2D background object and the 2D background metadata; a 3D background module or creating and positioning a 3D background object relative to the 3D image plane based on the 2D background object and the 2D background metadata; and a 3D object module for creating and positioning a 3D object relative to the 3D image plane based on the 2D object and the 2D object metadata.

Content enhancement system and method and applications thereof

Abstract: A source content enhancement system is described. A method for disambiguation of content and localization of culturally sensitive content including parsing content of an object for cultural objects and components, gathering knowledge about the object, inferring knowledge about the object, checking if the object is culturally appropriate, checking if the object and section of an object conform to local standards, and creating an adapted rendering of the object.

Behavior recognition using cognitive swarms and fuzzy graphs

Abstract: Described is a behavior recognition system for detecting the behavior of objects in a scene. The system comprises a semantic object stream module for receiving a video stream having at least two frames and detecting objects in the video stream. Also included is a group organization module for utilizing the detected objects from the video stream to detect a behavior of the detected objects. The group organization module further comprises an object group stream module for spatially organizing the detected objects to have relative spatial relationships. The group organization module also comprises a group action stream module for modeling a temporal structure of the detected objects. The temporal structure is an action of the detected objects between the two frames, whereby through detecting, organizing and modeling actions of objects, a user can detect the behavior of the objects.

Systems and methods for implementing many object to object relationships in a multi-tenant environment

Abstract: Systems and methods for storing relationship information for an information object in a database system. Methods and mechanisms for storing relationship information for information objects enable database systems to store and retrieve data objects having an arbitrary number of relationships with one another. This ability to store and retrieve data objects by relationship(s) enables more efficient searching of database objects and removal of constraints on the number of relationships that would otherwise exist when objects are stored in a database.

A semantic framework and software design to enable the transparent integration, reorganization and discovery of natural systems knowledge

Abstract: I present a conceptualization that attempts to unify diverse representations of natural knowledge while providing a workable computational framework, based on current semantic web theory, for developing, communicating, and running integrated simulation models The approach is based on a long-standing principle of scientific investigation: the separation of the ontological character of the object of study from the semantics of the observation context, the latter including location in space and time and other observation-related aspects I will show how current Knowledge Representation theories coupled with the object-oriented paradigm allow an efficient integration through the abstract model of a domain, which relates to the idea of aspect in software engineering This conceptualization allows us to factor out two fundamental causes of complexity and awkwardness in the representation of knowledge about natural system: (a) the distinction between data and models, both seen here as generic knowledge sources; (b) the multiplicity of states in data sources, handled through the hierarchical composition of independently defined domain objects, each accounting for all states in one well-known observational dimension This simplification leaves modelers free to work with the bare conceptual bones of the problem, encapsulating complexities connected to data format, and scale I will then describe the design of a software system that implements the approach, referring to explicit ontologies to unambiguously characterize the semantics of the objects of study, and allowing the independent definition of a global observation context that can be redefined as required I will briefly discuss applications to multi-scale, multi-paradigm modeling, intelligent database design, and web-based collaboration

Pattern-based design evolution using graph transformation

Abstract: In recent years, design patterns gain more interest in software engineering communities for both software development and maintenance. As a template to solve a certain recurring problem, a design pattern documents successful experiences of software experts and gradually becomes the design guidelines of software development. Applying design patterns correctly can improve the efficiency of software design in terms of reusability and enhance maintainability during reverse engineering. Software can be evolved when developers modify their initial designs as requirements change. For instance, a developer may add/delete a set of design elements, such as classes and methods. Modifications on software artifacts can introduce conflicts and inconsistencies in the previously applied design patterns, which are difficult to find and time-consuming to correct. This paper presents a graph-transformation approach to pattern level design validation and evolution. Based on a well founded formalism, we validate a given design by a graph grammar parser and automatically evolve the design at pattern level using a graph-transformation system. Rules for potential pattern evolutions are predefined. The graph-transformation approach preserves the integrity and consistency of design patterns in the system when designs change. A prototype system is built and a case study on the Strategy pattern demonstrates the feasibility of pattern-based design validation and evolution using graph transformation techniques.

The Role-Based Metamodeling Language for Specifying Design Patterns

Abstract: This chapter describes a UML-based pattern specification language called the role-based metamodeling language (RBML), which defines the solution domain of a Design pattern in terms of roles at the metamodel level. The goal of the RBML is to support the development of precise pattern specifications that can be used for the development of pattern tools. The author describes the approach and benefits of the RBML, and demonstrates the notation for capturing various perspectives of pattern properties using the Observer, Interpreter, and Iterator patterns. The author also discusses tool support for the RBML and the future trends in pattern specification. IGI PUBLISHING This paper appears in the publication, Design Pattern Formalization Techniques edited by T. Taibi © 2007, IGI Global 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033-1240, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.igi-pub.com ITB14318

Method and computer program product of computer aided design of a product comprising a set of constrained objects

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system of computer aided design of a product comprising a set of objects (11-51). The invention system and method identify (S10) constraints (1121-4151) linking objects (11,51) of said set of objects. Each of the identified constraints is oriented from a first object to a second object so as to ensure, upon solving (S90) the constraints, that the first object is not moved provided that all other of said constraints are solved. The invention system and method further test whether said constraints can be solved upon modifying one oriented constraint (4151) amongst the identified constraints. The invention system/method returns a suggestion (110) for modifying said one oriented constraint (4151).

Software Design Metrics for Object-Oriented Software.

Abstract: The importance of software measurement is increasing leading to development of new measurement techniques. As the development of object-oriented software is rising, more and more metrics are being defined for object-oriented languages. Many metrics have been proposed related to various object-oriented constructs like class, coupling, cohesion, inheritance, information hiding and polymorphism. The applicability of metrics developed by previous researchers is mostly limited to requirement, design and implementation phase. Exception handling is a desirable feature of software that leads to robust design and must be measured. This research addresses this need and introduces a new set of design metrics for object-oriented code. Two metrics are developed that measure the amount of robustness included in the code. The metrics are analytically evaluated against Weyuker’s proposed set of nine axioms. These set of metrics are calculated and analyzed for standard projects and accordingly ways in which project managers can utilize these metrics are suggested.

Using Educational Tools for Teaching Object Oriented Design and Programming

Abstract: The development of software systems is a complex process which requires a diverse set of skills and expertise. The Object Oriented programming paradigm has been proven to better organize the inherent complexity of software systems, than the traditional procedural paradigm. Hence, Object Oriented (OO) is becoming the dominant paradigm in the recent years. The software industry is placing increasing emphasis on newer, object-oriented programming languages and tools, such as Java. It is highly interested for software engineers capable to analyze and develop systems using the OO programming paradigm. The early exposure of students to object oriented programming has become increasingly important in both academia and industry. As an effect, after IEEE and ACM recommendations, the object oriented programming approach has established its place in the Computing Science (CS) Curricula of the Universities. Furthermore, a lot of research is being conducted with regards to the effective instructional methods for the Object Oriented design and programming. Such methods propose the utilization of educational tools for helping students overcome learning difficulties. The scope of this paper is to present some of the well known educational tools which can support the instructional process of Object Oriented design and programming. It also aims to show how one of the most widely known educational tool, called BlueJ, has been utilised and evaluated by students within an educational setting. Finally it discusses trends in the development of this tool (and other related ones) which could influence the teaching of Object Oriented design and programming .

Properties in electronic design automation

Abstract: One or more properties can be associated with a design object in a microdevice design. The design object may be an object in a physical layout design for a microdevice, such as a geometric element in a layout design. The design object also may be a collection of geometric elements in a layout design, such as a net, a cell in a hierarchical design, or even a collection of all of the geometric elements in a layer of a design. Still further, the design object may even be an item in a logical circuit design, such as a net in a logical circuit design for an integrated circuit. The values of one or more properties may be statically assigned for or dynamically generated during a design process performed by an electronic design automation tool. A property may be assigned a constant value or a value defined by an equation or other type of script that includes one or more variables. A property may be simple, where the definition of the property's value is not dependent upon the value of any other properties. Alternately, a property may be a compound property, where the definition of the property's value incorporates another, previously- determined property value. Still further, a property may be an alternative property, where the property is assigned one value definition under a first set of conditions and assigned another value definition under a second set of conditions. A first electronic design automation process may generate one or more property values. The generated property values then can be passed to another electronic design automation process in the design analysis flow for its use.

Complexity management tool

Abstract: An object-based modeling system, method and computer apparatus models a real life process. They include model objects that represent resources used by the modeled process, and an agent link associated with each model object. Each agent link determines the status of one or more resources, and exercises control over them. A solution domain is defined in which one or more model objects is stored. A set of rules is associated with the model objects, and is applied to the objects.

An empirical study of software reuse by experts in object-oriented design

Abstract: This paper presents an empirical study of the software reuse activity by expert designers in the context of object-oriented design. Our study focuses on the three following aspects of reuse : (1) the interaction between some design processes, e.g. constructing a problem representation, searching for and evaluating solutions, and reuse processes, i.e. retrieving and using previous solutions, (2) the mental processes involved in reuse, e.g. example-based retrieval or bottom-up versus top-down expanding of the solution, and (3) the mental representations constructed throughout the reuse activity, e.g. dynamic versus static representations. Some implications of these results for the specification of software reuse support environments are discussed.

Using BlueJ and Blackjack to teach object-oriented design concepts in CS1

Abstract: This paper describes a sequence of Java programming assignments for the CS1 course which can be used to reinforce the basic concepts of object-oriented design in a logical, consistent way. By using the BlueJ environment, even programming novices are able to develop, over the course of four assignments, a working implementation of the card game Blackjack. Because the concepts are presented in the context of a fun and familiar application, the assignment increases their level of engagement. In addition, since students are allowed to discover for themselves the advantages of object-oriented design, they develop a better understanding of the material.

Notation and representation in collaborative object-oriented design

Abstract: Software designers in the object-oriented paradigm can make use of modeling tools and standard notations such as UML. Nevertheless, casual observations from collocated design collaborations suggest...