Meta-Modelling Hybrid Formalisms

Abstract — This article demonstrates how meta-modelling can simplify the construction of domain- and formalism-specific modelling environments. Using AToM3 (A Tool for Multi-formalism and Meta-Modelling developed at McGill University), a model is constructed of a hybrid formalism, HS, that combines Event Scheduling constructs with Ordinary Differential Equations. From this specification, an HS-specific visual modelling environment is synthesized. For the purpose of this demonstration, a simple hybrid model of a bouncing ball is modelled in this environment. It is envisioned that the future of modelling and simulation in general, and more specifically in hybrid dynamic systems design lies in domain-specific Computer Automated Multi-Paradigm Modelling (CAMPaM) which combines multi-abstraction, multi-formalism, and meta-modelling. The small example presented in this article demon-strates the feasibility of this approach. I