ENPM 643/ENSE 623 Projects, Fall Semester, 2009

[ Project 1 ]: Requirements and Modeling of an Interactive Kiosk for Music and Sport Venues
[ Project 2 ]: The Structure of Networks
[ Project 3 ]: Automated Parking Garage System
[ Project 4 ]: Formal Analysis of Childcare System Processes with LTSA
[ Project 5 ]: Workflow Modeling of an Electric Utility Distribution Engineering Department
[ Project 6 ]: A System's Perspective on Developing a Hydraulic Modeling Tool
[ Project 7 ]: Auto-Lock Device
[ Project 8 ]: Biomimicry of the Human Ear via SysmL
[ Project 9 ]: Requirements Engineering as a Success Factor in Web-Based Airline Reservation System
[ Project 10 ]: Design a Fuel Distribution Security & Monitoring System for Enhanced Asset Accountability using Active RFID
[ Project 11 ]: Design of a Web-based Excavator's Rental, Tracking and Maintenance Scheduling System.
[ Project 12 ]: Extending Ontology-Enabled Traceability Mechanisms to System Behavior
[ Project 13 ]: Engineering Wiki Solution
[ Project 14 ]: Multiple Elevator Control System


Class presentations will be on December 1 and December 8.
Please make every effort to attend class on both evenings.
Don't worry if your project isn't complete -- just talk about your main ideas, what you are hoping to accomplish and the method. Plan for 20 minutes + 10 minutes of questions/discussion. The purpose is to share ideas and receive constructive feedback.


PROJECT 1

Title: Requirements and Modeling of an Interactive Kiosk for Music and Sport Venues
Author: John Vollmer

Abstract: Over the past decade, interactive kiosks have been integrated into society in the form of automated teller machines (ATMs), self checkout registers at grocery stores, and check-in kiosks at airline terminals, just to name a few.

The kiosks principle purpose is to provide a service to a user that would have otherwise relied on another individual or means to provide the service. Interactive kiosks, while highly exploited in some realms like retail, have yet to be implemented in music and sporting venues as directory or way-finding tools.

This project will explore using interactive kiosks to help attendants of sporting and music events find exactly where their seats are, the quickest way to their seats, and the locations of various amenities around their seats, such as concessions, merchandise booths, etc. Requirements will be formulated for these interactive kiosks, as well as modeling of the kiosks using SysML (in the form of use case scenarios, etc.).


Class Presentation: Scheduled for December 1.
Final Report: ....


PROJECT 2

Title: The Structure of Networks
Author: Synthia Tonn

Abstract: This project will investigate the structure of networks from a broad, high-level perspective. An open question is whether it is possible to develop a general model that can be applied across disciplines; that is, whether the network is the human information network of a project, a physical transportation network, or a scientific network, I'm looking for the underlying common elements and connections.


Class Presentation: Scheduled for December 8.
Final Report: ....


PROJECT 3

Title: Automated Parking Garage System
Author: Isidore Takougang

Abstract: Today, in most metropolitan areas like Washington DC, there is a rapid growth of the population therefore more cars for the same space; thus, there is an increasingly need to use the limited space rationally. One solution is to build automated parking garages, which would not only reduce space by allowing about 50\% or more cars in same square footage, but also to enhance users experience with less hassle, and enhance safety and security.

Automated parking is a system of equipment that parks and retrieves cars without human involvement. It is a user-friendly and allows the driver to store his or her car in a secure space until it is ready for retrieval. There is no risk of damage, theft or vandalism, since the driver does not enter the parking area. At the time of exit the driver uses a personal access card that starts the retrieval process.

For this project, I will develop the system UML diagrams such as the class diagram, the activity diagram, and the machine state diagram to show the structure and behavior of the automated parking system. I will then develop a set of requirements and or specifications for the system. Finally, I will use techniques studied in this semester class for the verification and validation of the system.


Class Presentation: Scheduled for December 1.
Final Report: ....


PROJECT 4

Title: Formal Analysis of Childcare System Processes with LTSA
Author: Nicola Donovan

Abstract: For working parents, one of the most important decisions is childcare. I started looking for infant childcare as soon as learned I was pregnant. I visited with nannies and institutional and family childcare centers. I chose my childcare based on the provider's early learning program, accreditation, reliability, location, and experience with young children.

The goal of any provider is quality childcare. As I learned during my childcare search, a childcare system is a business focused on children but also includes management of:

Project: This project will focus on model development and analysis of the interview, application, and enrollment processes, to show how a child transitions from prospect to enrollee into the program. If I have time, I will explain how an infant transitions from the Infant class to the Young Toddler's class. I will create:


Class Presentation: Scheduled for December 8.
Final Report: ....


PROJECT 5

Title: Workflow Modeling of an Electric Utility Distribution Engineering Department
Author: Umair Zia

Abstract: Every organization has a goal that it needs to fulfill in an efficient way. In order to effectively achieve this goal, the organization is divided into departments to perform specific tasks and discrete functions. Having a process to perform these tasks reduces the chance of error and can easily be managed.

As a case in point, electric utility companies have the goal of providing reliable electric power to their customers. Due to the complexity of the system and vastness of service territory, utility companies are composed of various departments such as System Planning, Transmission Engineering, Substation Engineering, Distribution Engineering etc.

The goal of the department of distribution engineering is to turn basic customer requirements/request into engineering drawings (both civil and electrical). These drawings are used by the construction crew to build and install electric power to the customer's facility.

In this project I will model multiple work flow patterns for the distribution engineering department using UML diagrams. I will use these models to identify the dependencies and constraints for each task and identify any opportunities to relax them in order to shorten overall processing time. Moreover, possibilities of performing concurrent tasks will be looked at. By assigning estimated time to each task, I will calculate bounds (shortest, median, longest) on processing times based on varying customer attributes.


Class Presentation: Scheduled for December 1.
Final Report: ....


PROJECT 6

Title: A System's Perspective on Developing a Hydraulic Modeling Tool
Author: Karthik Ravirajan

Abstract: Water distribution systems are of paramount importance in any city.

This project focuses on developing a tool which studies the hydraulic (drinking water distribution system) system as a network structure and suggests the requirements and techniques for development of a hydraulic modeling tool. This tool when implemented will predict the dynamic hydraulic behavior within a drinking water distribution system over a period of time. This would serve as a convenient tool for the department of public works, consulting firms and for the researchers in understanding the movement of drinking water within water distribution systems. Also this would serve as a rapid support decision tool for making improvements to the existing water distribution system.


Class Presentation: Scheduled for December 8.
Final Report: ....


PROJECT 7

Title: Auto-Lock Device
Author: Huidong Zhang (Raymond)

Abstract: People need to protect their office computers from unauthorized access, especially whose work for government projects. What is the best way to do it? Of course, you can simply lock your screen with a password. But this is not easily done, since most people forget to lock their computer. How then can we protect a running computer from unauthorized access? The solution is easy -- Auto-Lock Device.

The device will unlock and lock the computer automatically as the users walk closer or further from the computer. This project will explore the software portion of the device. I will develop the system UML diagrams such as the class diagram, the activity diagram, and the machine state diagram. I will then develop the requirements with the process to verify and validate the system.


Class Presentation: Scheduled for December 1.
Final Report: ....


PROJECT 8

Title: Biomimicry of the Human Ear via SysmL
Author: Joseph Johnnie

Abstract: This project will examine the process of hearing from a systems engineering perspective.

First, we will construct a sysml model of the human ear, breaking the hearing process down into a series of steps and functions as associated with each of the ear's essential anatomical parts. Then we will show how each of the steps and functions of our SySml model can be performed by a cochlear implant.

The whole purpose is to visualize hearing as a mechanistic process and demonstrate how one can innovate a machine to mimic this said process through SySml modeling.


Class Presentation: Scheduled for December 8.
Final Report: ....


PROJECT 9

Title: Requirements Engineering as a Success Factor in Web-Based Airline Reservation System
Author: Himanshu Suri

Abstract: This project will study the importance of requirement engineering process (Elicitation, Modeling, and Validation & Verification) in detail, considering a Web based online reservation system as example. This airline reservation system wishes to maintain a database of all the passengers who wants to travel within US.

We will illustrate the process of online reservation in a web based system using UML modeling and how Requirement engineering plays a significant role in getting the system flawless.


Class Presentation: Scheduled for December 1.
Final Report: ....


PROJECT 10

Title: Design a Fuel Distribution Security and Monitoring System for Enhanced Asset Accountability using Active RFID
Author: Syed Mansoor Pasha

Abstract: The project will focus on how Active RFID can benefit in Monitoring/Protection of High Value assets.

The solution is based on RFID electronic seals installed on valves and hatches of the trucks. Any Open/Close of the Hatches and Valves will be recorded in the Seals memory.

The solution is based on RFID electronic seals installed on valves and hatches of the trucks. The Solution will provide Real Time Monitoring to Fueling Company and whenever there is any illegal open/close of the Hatches and Valves a message will be sent to the Control Center with alert message which will include timestamp and location as well. Also this solution will help in minimizing costly mistake such as grade mixing.

The project scope ...


Class Presentation: Scheduled for December 8.
Final Report: ....


PROJECT 11

Title: Design of a Web-based Excavator's Rental, Tracking and Maintenance Scheduling System.
Author: Vikramaditya Bagri

Abstract: In this project, I will be making use of systems engineering process of requirements gathering, elicitation, modeling, and validation & verification of a web-based excavator rental, tracking and maintenance scheduling system.

The basic concept is to provide a web-based solution for an Excavator supplier with the capabilities of a Decision Support Solution, inventory control, tracking of lending & borrowing of Excavators to major construction companies for their needs. This web based project requires that an independent web-based Excavator control system is developed so that the ordering of Excavators and supplies for the company can be done without much of a hassle. This web-based solution would provide booking and tracking of the Excavators, which have been lent by the company to various builders. The website would show the number and kind of Excavators that the company possess. It would also show how many of these Excavators are on rent and how many are available. It would help the customers (major constructors) to place their order through the internet and then keep track of their shipment.

Now since every good that has been given on rent has to be returned on a particular due date this web-based solution would continuously show the due date for the companies who have borrowed these machineries and equipment so that other people who are waiting in the cue can apply accordingly. In case of these heavy machineries, maintenance is done on a preventive and scheduled basis and not when it breaks down. The web-based solution also provides the facility of having a preventive cum scheduled maintenance date fixed on the leased Excavator. Thus, the equipments manager can schedule a preventive maintenance for the Excavators which have been leased out.

The purpose of this project will be to apply the systems engineering principles, the knowledge of UML and the systems validation and verification strategies to design web based excavator rental, tracking and maintenance scheduling system.


Class Presentation: Scheduled for December 1.
Final Report: ....


PROJECT 12

Title: Extending Ontology-Enabled Traceability Mechanisms to System Behavior
Author: Parastoo Delgoshaei

Abstract: The purpose of this projext will be to explore the use of software design patterns in the formulation of a new type of traceabily model where requirements are connected to ontologies, and then, onto a system behavior model. The second part of the traceability model will consist of links from the systems behavioral model (i.e. statechart) back to the requirements via the ontologies.

Software design patterns are powerful tools for creating robust implemenations of traceability connections. The goal of this project is to use software patterns to implement the behavior of a light, and to provide traceability from the behavior model to the structural model, and to the actual requirements of the system.


Class Presentation: Scheduled for December 8.
Final Report: ....


PROJECT 13

Title: Engineering Wiki Solution
Author: Neeraj Jain

Abstract: One of the most troubling problems that engineering firms face is the retention of knowledge gained and lessons learned. Traditionally, this has been done through apprenticeships and mentoring programs. But is this really the most efficient way to handle the transfer of knowledge? While this practice is somewhat effective and should be maintained, there is also a strong need for a comprehensive knowledgebase of lessons learned and good engineering practice for everyday reference.

A web-based database is proposed to meet this need. The overall concept could be described as www.MatWeb.com meets www.Facebook.com. MatWeb is a well known database providing select material properties, but also only material properties. Facebook is possibly the best known social networking site that enables users to post and receive information all based on the users chosen preferences. What if you could combine the engineering properties database with social networking type functionality?

The purpose of this project .....


Class Presentation: Scheduled for December 1.
Final Report: ....


PROJECT 14

Title: Multiple Elavator Control System
Author: S. Sharma

Abstract:


Class Presentation: Scheduled for December 8.
Final Report: ....


Developed in October 2009 by Mark Austin
Copyright © 2009, Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland