This paper presents a method which is based on the Model-Driven Architecture (MDA) and functional blocks to realize effectively the autopilot systems of ships. It brings out an executable MDA process to cover completely the requirement analysis, design and deployment phases of these systems. This process also allows the determined design elements to be customizable and re-usable in the new applications of controlled ship steering systems. | Vietnam Journal of Mechanics, VAST, Vol. 34, No. 1 (2012), pp. 55 – 65 A REALIZATION MODEL TO DEVELOP THE AUTOPILOT SYSTEM OF SHIPS BY SPECIALIZING MDA Ngo Van Hien, Vu Duy Quang Hanoi University of Science and Technology, HUST Abstract. This paper presents a method which is based on the Model-Driven Architecture (MDA) and functional blocks to realize effectively the autopilot systems of ships. It brings out an executable MDA process to cover completely the requirement analysis, design and deployment phases of these systems. This process also allows the determined design elements to be customizable and re-usable in the new applications of controlled ship steering systems. The paper indicates straightforwardly the ship dynamic modelto-be used, the Computation Independent Model (CIM) of a ship autopilot system, the Platform Independent Model (PIM) of this system by using the Real-Time Unified Modeling Language (UML), and its Platform Specific Model (PSM) implemented by the functional blocks. Furthermore, the important transformation rules are also brought out and applied to convert the identified PIM into PSM for implementing quickly this system with different industrial frameworks such as the IEC61499 in a programmable controller. Then, its deployment model completely is tested on a model ship with the predetermined program and control performance. Key words: Control of ships, MDA, Real-Time UML, functional blocks. 1. INTRODUCTION The control systems are increasingly more intelligent and easier to operate for improving the control performance. The immersion in an industrial control context makes that the designers and programmers must take into account costs and existing standards for analyzing, designing and implementing effectively these systems. The customization and re-utilization are factors to be associated with the production of a new application in order to reduce its costs, resources and time development. The Model-Driven Architecture (MDA) [11] starts .
