Object-oriented modeling support system: model representation, and incremental modeling

Incremental modeling is the ability to incrementally add new and more specialized modeling capabilities to existing models, thus creating larger, more complex, and more specialized models. Some of the basic functions of the object-oriented integrated modeling support (IMS) system are described. Elemental modeling constructs are presented, and the creation of the models is discussed. Capabilities are based on the object-oriented principles of abstraction, encapsulation, class-subclass structure, inheritance, polymorphism, and specialization upon which the design and operation of the IMS system is built. The benefits of incremental modeling include stepwise model building, code, object, and model reusability; fast model prototyping; and an evolutionary approach to model creation and model-base design