Latest Research Highlights
From 2018 until the present, our next generation of research has concentrated on further formalization and commercialization of the concepts of our relational oriented approach. A central idea is to use the category theory in mathematics as a language for system architecture, analysis, and design. The 2020 foundational paper in the IEEE Systems Journal on using first order model theory for architecture definition was an international collaboration by leading experts that crossed the boundaries of academia, industry, and standards organizations. It is our starting point for using category theory.
Further advances based on category theory were published in 2024. These are openly available through the following links:
- Architecture, Analysis and Design using Category Theory
- A Brief Introduction to Category Theory and recorded presentation
Research Impact
The impact of the 2013-2018 research performed under the Programme for Simulation Innovation (PSi) sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover and the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council resulted in an international standard and a UK patent that demonstrated the commercial viability of the mathematical formalisation of the relational oriented approach that had been developed during 2007-2012. You can download these impact documents here.
Bernard, Y., C. Dickerson, Z. Ismail et al, “UPR: UML Profile for ROSETTA”, issued by the Object Management Group on 23rd March 2018.
Dickerson, C., S. Ji and D. Battersby, “Calibration system and method”, U.K. patent publication number GB2555617, 9th May 2018.
Dickerson, C., S. Ji, D. Battersby et al, “Analysis of the vehicle as a complex system, EPSRC”, Impact 2018 (1), 42-44 (2018), March 2018
Publications (2013-2018)
Dickerson, C., R. Roslan and S. Ji, “A Formal Transformation Method for Automated Fault Tree Generation from UML Activity Model”, IEEE Transactions on Reliability, 67(3), 1219-1236, September 2018.
Li, M., A. Grigg, C.E. Dickerson, G. Lin and S. Ji, “A Product Line Systems Engineering Process for Variability Identification and Reduction”, submitted to the IEEE Systems Journal on 3rd June 2018.
Lin, T. C., S. Ji, C. Dickerson and D. Battersby, "Coordinated control architecture for motion management in ADAS systems", IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica, 5(2), 432-444, March 2018.
Denno, P., C. Dickerson and J. A. Harding, "Dynamic Production System Identification for Smart Manufacturing Systems", submitted to Journal of Manufacturing Systems, December 2017.
Denno, P., C. Dickerson and J. A. Harding, "Production System Identification with Genetic Programming", Advances in Manufacturing Technology XXXI, September 2017.
Rudakov, S., and C. Dickerson, “Harmonization of IEEE 1012 and IEC 60880 standards regarding verification and validation of nuclear power plant safety systems software using model-based methodology”, Progress in Nuclear Energy, 99, August 2017.
Gough, R., C. Dickerson, and P. Rowley, "Vehicle-to-Grid Feasibility: A Techno-economic Analysis of EV-based Energy Storage", Elsevier Applied Energy, 192, 12-23, April 2017.
Denno, P., C. Dickerson, and J. A. Harding, "Networked Engineering Notebooks for Smart Manufacturing", Advances in Manufacturing Technology XXX, September 2016.
Dickerson, C., S. Ji, and R. Roslan, “Formal methods for a system of systems analysis framework applied to traffic management”, 11th IEEE System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) Conference, June 2016.
Li, M., L. Guan, C. Dickerson and A. Grigg, “Model-based systems product line engineering with physical design variability for aircraft systems”, 11th IEEE System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) Conference, June 2016.
Liang, H., C. Dickerson, D. Champion and D. Battersby, “A framework for technology assessment from different scientific viewpoints: Preliminary report”, 11th IEEE System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) Conference, June 2016.
Dickerson, C., S. Ji, S. Clement, et al, "A demonstration of a service oriented virtual environment for complex system analysis", IJCS Computing, Sensing and Control, 3(1), December 2015.
Dickerson, C., and T. Holden, “Relational oriented systems engineering framework for flight training” The Journal of Defense Modeling and Simulation, 11(2), April 2014.
Dickerson, C., “A Relational Oriented Approach to System of Systems Assessment of Alternatives for Data Link Interoperability,” IEEE Systems Journal, 7(4), 16 May 2013.
Mavris, D., K. Griendling and C. Dickerson, “Relational-Oriented Systems Engineering and Technology Tradeoff Analysis Framework”, AIAA Journal of Aircraft, 50(5), 28 August 2013.
Dickerson, C. and T. Holden, “A ROSETTA framework for live/synthetic aviation tradeoffs: Preliminary report”, 8th IEEE System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) Conference, June 2013.
Publications (2007-2012)
Contributing author, “Assessment of Open Architecture within Defence Procurement,” UK Ministry of Defence System of Systems Approach Community Forum Working Group 1, June 2011
Dickerson, C., “Mathematical foundations for relational oriented systems engineering (ROSE),” 6th IEEE System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) Conference, June 2011.
Dickerson, C., and D. Mavris, “Relational oriented systems engineering (ROSE): Preliminary report”, 6th IEEE System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) Conference, June 2011.
Dickerson, C., and R. Valerdi, “Using relational model transformations to reduce complexity in SoS requirements traceability: Preliminary investigation”, 5th IEEE System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) Conference, June 2010.
Dickerson, C. and D. Mavris, Architecture and Principles of Systems Engineering, CRC Press, Auerbach Publications, New York, 2009
Dickerson, C., “Defense Applications of SoS” in M. Jamshidi, editor, Systems of Systems Engineering: Principles and Applications, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, Boca Rotan, Florida, November 2008.
Dickerson, C., "Towards a logical and scientific foundation for system concepts, principles, and terminology", 3rd IEEE System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) Conference, June 2008.
De Laurentis, D. C. Dickerson, M. DiMario, P. Gartz, M. Jamshidi et al, “A Case for an International Consortium for Systems of Systems Engineering,” IEEE Systems Journal, 1(1), September 2007.