The Meta Model Graphs view gives an overview of the meta model for the selected item. This view can be useful for the understanding of a model or when designing a configuration, i.e., for a report, view, grid, etc. Although the view is available to all system users when activated, it is typically only used by SystemWeaver Architects in their work. 


Prerequisites

  • Familiar with the SystemWeaver meta model building blocks (e.g., Items, Parts and Attributes)
  • The SWExtension.MetaModelGraphs extension file is located in the Client's swExplorerExtensions directory
  • An SW Architect has activated the view via Configure the explorer


To use the view, select an item in the structure tree. The view will show a diagram of the item type of the selected item and its allowed parts.



The type of the item currently selected in the tree is displayed with a gray background and red, dashed outline.


The name in the box, "Function requirements" in the above example, is the item type of the selected item. (The type name that is always visible in the upper right corner of a view.



The value enclosed in parentheses in a box is the SID of the type.


The arrows pointing to the right describe all parts that the item type can have, with the name, SID and multiplicity of the part type provided.


The boxes that the arrows point to describe the defining item types that can be used for those parts.


Boxes that have a black dashed (---) outline indicate types that are abstract. You cannot create items of an abstract type, and the abstract types are only used for the management of the meta model.


Default Node and Edge Styles

Limiting the Part Depth

Enter a value, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, in the Part depth option to see fewer levels of parts. In the above example, there are two levels of parts shown. If "1" Part depth is set, the graph would only include the first level of parts and not those to the far right. By default, the graph is set to display all levels, i.e., the option is set to null.


Showing Deprecated Items and Parts

Check the Show deprecated option to include deprecated items and parts in the view. Deprecated items and parts are displayed in red. 


Including Parents

Click the Include inheritance option to include parents that items inherent from. This means that all the parts of such types, and the possible use as defining item is also allowed for the highlighted type. You can limit the depth of the inheritance structure using the Max children option.

Limiting the Inheritance Depth

The Max children option can be used together with the Include inheritance option to see fewer levels of the inheritance structure. Enter a value between 1-6. By default, the graph is set to display 6 levels of inheritance when inheritance is included in the display.


Showing Default Attributes

To view the Default attributes of the item and part types, check Show default attributes. 


Focus on Direct Connections

To focus in on particular, direct relationships in larger graphs, you can right-click on the graph and select Show neighborhood. Then, select an item of interest in the graph and the Neighborhood pane will display only the directly connected relationships for the selected item. The selected item is indicated with red.


Exporting the Graph

The entire meta model graph or just the Neighborhood pane can be saved as an image file by right-clicking in the view and selecting Save as...


Alternatively, with the view in focus (i.e., click anywhere in the view to ensure that it is active), press Ctrl+P and print to a PDF printer. 

This option can be used in the Neighborhood pane as well.