Generating UML use cases from TIM task models

Abstract

A use case model pictures the interactions between a user and a system. A UML use case diagram represents use cases in a way that is nowadays familiar to the industry. However, UML use case diagrams show some limitations with respect to the representation necessary for the system's design. This paper discusses a methodology in which use case descriptions benefit from the integration of task modelling into the software engineering process. The paper will also discuss the reasons why task modelling seems a convenient approach to overcome the current limitations of use cases. To this end, a careful definition of the information embedded in task models and in use cases has been outlined. A particular task modelling language is considered here (TIM - Task-oriented Information Modelling), because of the degree of formalization it exhibits (which allows easier transfer of information inside the task models to use case diagram). A plug-in has been designed to allow this transfer from TimBox® (a TIM task modelling software) to Enterprise Architect®, a UML modelling environment.

Keywords: use case diagram, use case description, task model