Optimisation Architecture Elements Sample Clauses

Optimisation Architecture Elements. 4.3.4.1 Optimisation Space Definition Module (OSDM) Function The OSDM provides the input for the overall optimisation process by taking the original model, which contains variability elements to define the variation points of the design, and derives from this input the set of possible encodings of the optimisation search space – the Master Encoding Hierarchy, which is a structure that can be manipulated to obtain the set of all valid design candidates (also called population). This allows the Central Optimisation Engine (below) to explore the design space automatically by using an abstract structure rather than needing semantic knowledge of the design model itself. This is “abstract” in the sense that it does not include any information on the structure, behaviour or other properties of the individual candidates; it just provides a means to unambiguously denote each candidate. Unlike the other elements, which are used in each optimisation iteration, the OSDM is only required once, at the beginning of the optimisation, not iteratively in each optimisation cycle as the other elements. Inputs  A variant-rich model, i.e. one containing variability in the form of variation points. Provided as an external input. May contain both optimisation variability and product line variability (the precise distinction between the two types is still to be determined; it might be binding time or it might be something more explicit). Outputs  Master Encoding Hierarchy (MEH) of the optimisation space. This will be used by the optimisation engine to select and denote candidates to be analysed in each optimisation cycle. This notion of optimisation space corresponds exactly to what is called a configuration space in feature modelling terminology. Therefore, a feature model would be a natural fit for representing the optimisation space. However, for pragmatic implementation reasons a different form of encoding might be required to simplify the implementation of the OSDM and/or the optimisation engine or to enable the reuse of existing implementations (to be investigated). The format of the MEH is yet to be finalised but is likely to be based on XML somehow. Discussion The optimisation space definition module (OSDM) takes a model with variability and derives from that an abstract definition of the optimisation space, i.e. a structure which can be manipulated to obtain the set of all valid design candidates – the Master Encoding Hierarchy (MEH). This definition is “abstract” in th...