X3D-UML: Refined 3D UML State Machine Diagram

Refined 3D UML visualisation of a complex state machine diagram. From a PhD in advanced 3D UML visualisation through X3D.
http://www.x3d-uml.org

This state machine diagram has been refined after user task analysis, heuristic evaluation. The initial version is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pghZMZJB3MU. Further refinements are planned as a result of formative evaluation.

More details can be found in the MODELS'08 paper:
X3D-UML: 3D UML State Machine Diagrams
Paul McIntosh, Margaret Hamilton, Ron van Schyndel
ACM/IEEE 11th International Conference on Model Driven Engineering Languages and Systems
http://www.x3d-uml.org/Publications/2008_X3D-UML%3a_3D_UML_State_Machine_Diag...

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• 3D
• UML
• X3D
• VRML

[internetscooter]

Current statemachine tools only present single layers of a diagram - however in hierarchical statemachines this hides the intereaction between layers. For example, if an event is not handled at a lower level statemachine the event propogates upwards. Because current tools don't show this, the current practice is for engineers to model the concept in their heads or scribble notes down on paper... the 3D view allows them to see all areas of interaction in the statemachine on the computer.

[internetscooter]

You'll need to read the Models'08 paper for the info. I think you'll find it answers all of your questions.

[gpaluk]

@IQ233 Without using a system like this I think it is difficult to know. I was genuinely interested to know what people thought of their experience of using this system. Sadly, there was an over defensive response to my question. Sometimes I see this as a plus about the technology but a minus about the people who use it. It might just be worth checking out this system. By compositing hierarchy structures, the user might well be able to visualize their class structure in a more natural way

[IQ233]

@gpaluk yeah i can't find the benefit either.

[gpaluk]

Damn, I'm just interested in what benefits this has as a genuine usability question, people could just answer the question!?

[SeriouslyPissedOff]

@gpaluk you're a tool AND a fag

[gpaluk]

I haven't taken part in a UML presentation but does that make me a tool? I think that someone who tells someone that they are a tool for asking questions to explain the implications of a 3d interface. If I'm a tool then you're a faggot now fuckoff and get over yourself. I itterate...Could someone explain the benefits since I'm genuinly interested unless you call me a tool like the other fag!

[nagv1745]

god damn your a tool gpaluck...obviously you have never taken part in a presentation for a review board for technical staff...if you don't like the software or are too stupid to realize it does have applications then don' bother commenting

[gpaluk]

But what has it added to improve or simplify the creation of UML diagrams? You need to cover that sort of thing not...You can remove classes (wow) or you can move it around and fly into a class(wow) lol - You can obviously see through to different layers...is that good?? You don't say. It also appears to me that it'd probably become less readable and have a negative effect on my usage of a UML diagram tool.