Model-integrated computing

TLDR

Computers now control many critical systems, tightly integrating physical components with software and creating complex interactions not seen in earlier systems. The authors argue that software and its associated physical systems must evolve together and propose model‑integrated computing as a solution. Model‑integrated computing extends model use by defining required computational processes, building multi‑view models that serve as the system’s backbone, and applying the Multigraph Architecture framework developed at Vanderbilt’s Measurement and Computing Systems Laboratory.

Abstract

Computers now control many critical systems in our lives, from the brakes on our cars to the avionics control systems on planes. Such computers wed physical systems to software, tightly integrating the two and generating complex component interactions unknown in earlier systems. Thus, it is imperative that we construct software and its associated physical system so they can evolve together. The paper discusses one approach that accomplishes this called model-integrated computing. This works by extending the scope and use of models. It starts by defining the computational processes that a system must perform and develops models that become the backbone for the development of computer-based systems. In this approach, integrated, multiple-view models capture information relevant to the system under design. The paper considers the Multigraph Architecture framework for model-integrated computing developed at Vanderbilt's Measurement and Computing Systems Laboratory.