SIE Seminar: Robert Cloutier

In May 2006, I successfully defended my doctoral research on system architectural patterns. Most of my pattern representations were done using IDEF0. I defined system architecture pattern as,

“High-level structures appropriate to the design of the major elements and subsystems of the system or enterprise of interest. They express the relation between the context, a problem, and a solution, documenting attributes and usage guidance. Architecture patterns are time-proven in solving problems which are similar in nature to the problem under consideration.”

Back then, MBSE was an emerging concept, between UML/IDEF0 and the yet undefined SysML. So, my attention turned to the concept of operations (CONOPS). The goal was to demonstrate the use of 3D gaming tools to build a drag-and-drop environment for creating use cases and CONOPS using system architecture patterns. Over time, funded by the NSA and the US Army, a prototype was developed that proved that this was in fact possible. As SysML tools have evolved and are approaching a release version 2.0 of the SysML specification, in 2021 my doctoral student and I mined a pattern library for NASA comprising 72 reusable models of spacecraft and livable habitats. This presentation will recount this research journey and discuss possible tie-ins to UA systems engineering research as well as possible expansion into digital twin development, and even a metaverse.

This presentation will recount Dr. Cloutier’s research journey and discuss possible tie-ins to UArizona Systems Engineering research, as well as the expansion into digital twin development, and even a metaverse.