Integrating Formal UML Designs and HCI Patterns with Spiral SDLC in DroLIGHT Implementation

Zeeshan      Ahmed; Charlotte      Helfrich-Förster; Thomas      Dandekar

Abstract

Design engineering of an embedded system is a lot more complex and with greater security risk than a desktop and web application, as it involves several electronic components, micro controllers, external PCB boards and miscellaneous advanced devices, to be attached, used and properly communicated. Today, embedded systems are widely used for miscellaneous purposes in different fields of life, the goal of this research is to develop a new domain specific real time solution for the fields of Neurobiology and Photobiology. We propose a new embedded and multithreading based system i.e. DroLIGHT, proficient in systematizing a noncommercial special purpose hardware capable of producing lights of different brightness and wavelength that can be used to study light-evoked behavior of animals, here especially that of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The aim of this paper is to discuss initial DroLIGHT implementation, following spiral software development life cycle and integrating a formal unified modelling language to scheme from different perspectives e.g. use case, design and implementation views. We present the designed graphical user interface incorporating human computer interaction guidelines, principles and patterns e.g. window per task, direct manipulation, conversational text, ephemeral feedback and step-by-step instructions. We highlight the programming details, available features, hardware components and the basic deployment procedure of the DroLIGHT. Moreover the paper discusses a few of the patents relevant to UML Designs and HCI Patterns.

Keywords: Architecture, design, drosophila, embedded systems, human computer interaction, neurobiology, neuroinformatics, spiral SDLC, unified modelling language.