Object flow definition for refined activity diagrams

Abstract

Activity diagrams are a well-known means to model the control flow of system behavior. Their expressiveness can be enhanced by using their object flow notation. In addition, we refine activities by pairs of pre- and post-conditions formulated by interrelated object diagrams. To define a clear semantics for refined activity diagrams with object flow, we use a graph transformation approach. Control flow is formalized by sets of transformation rule sequences, while object flow is described by partial dependencies between transformation rules. This approach is illustrated by a simple service-based on-line university calendar.