Extended activity diagrams for adaptive workflow modelling

Activity diagrams are a recognized form of modelling real time systems and have been included in the list of UML techniques for modelling the dynamic aspects of object oriented systems. In this paper, we explain how workflow techniques can be used for developing models of larger chunks of systems. These chunks are expressed through the use of worklets. This can then be used as the basis of modelling systems where timeliness is of importance. However, this requires extending workflow ideas to incorporate flexibility, handling of exceptions and adaptability. Extensions of the activity diagrams are then proposed for expressing the models obtained from such workflow techniques. This will allow evolution of real time systems development towards a component based approach