IT210 Assignment 4 Analysis modeling, Design Concepts and Architectural Design - Essay Example

Analysis modeling, Design Concepts and Architectural Design Number How is an ERD different from a class diagram? An entity relationship diagram (ERD) and an automated insulin delivery system are largely similar in representation; however, they are different in how they operate (Davis, 2011). On the one hand, an entity relationship diagram is a graphical demonstration of data sources and their linkages to each other. The ERD is normally used in information systems to enter data in a methodical manner and organize the data is systematically on the databases.

On the other hand, an automated insulin delivery system triggers a number of moves that eventually lead to the control of blood sugar level in the body of a patient by initiating a path of commands to this effect. Whereas an ERD’s main function is to control systematic data entry by suggesting related important data such as addresses, phone numbers for easier entry by the user, an automated insulin delivery system responds to various stimulations to automatically send commands across relationships or linkages to achieve a seamless control the level of blood-sugar level. 2. If a software design is not a program (and it isn’t), then what is it?

A software design that is not a program exists in a non-executable form, thus the computer cannot use it directly to perform or achieve any commands. In light of this, the programmer cannot study it with a view to developing algorithms. 3. Why not have a large module that does many things? Stepwise modules represent a differentiation of concerns for easy maintainability by implementing logical boundaries separating the components (Davis, 2011). By choosing the modular programming way of software design, the operability of a program is divided into separate, similar modules that contain everything needed to perform only one part of the needed functionality.

This lowers the duplication of commands by unnecessary modules and saves time. 4. How are the concepts of coupling and software portability related? Provide examples to support your discussion. Within the design model, it is important for design classes to work in tandem with one another. However, the coupling process should be maintained to a suitable minimum level. The coupling of a design model to a higher level where all design classes collaborate with each other may cause the system to present problems in implementation, testing, and maintenance in the long run (Cunningham, 2002).

In a nutshell, design classes within a particular sub-system should have only a small knowledge of classes within other subsystems. This creates room for a method to dispatch only the messages relevant to another method in the neighboring sub-systems. 5. In a paragraph, explain the purpose of software architecture and how it relates to design. Software architecture is basically a framework of an application. It is the most important of the abstractions in the design of applications (Vlas, & Robinson, 2012).

The architecture handles the memory size of the application, how the modules would interrelate, and the recovery systems that should be in place. Software design involves the creation of specific modules or components of software. The software architecture provides the supporting outline upon which various software modules are built. In a nutshell, software architecture involves the framework for the whole software structure, while software design is based on class on module level. 6. Operating systems are frequently designed using a layered architecture.

Research the Linux operating system on the Internet, and explain how it utilizes a layered architecture. What are the benefits of such architecture? According Marsh (2005), the Linux operating system can be compared to an onion. At the nucleus of the layers there is a hardware-built interface that supports the upper layers. The operating system must interrelate with the hardware or the system will be kaput. What reads the hardware is called device drivers. If it does not work as should be the case, a device driver can delete all data on the hard disk or crash the system (Wlad, 2006).

The device driver cannot quit reading the hard drive until the process is complete. On top of the device driver, there is a layer containing the management functions of the operating system. It is at this layer that the program determines the order that the programs must follow when running and what to do when the process is interrupted. The first layers provide an opportunity for programs that communicate directly with the operating system to take effect. The shell layer then allows for the installation of application software such as word processors, electronic spreadsheets, databases or compilers.

Because these applications often depend on other software that is embedded on the operating system, they are considered part of another separate layer (Marsh, 2005). If a user is running Linux with the X Windowing System or any other graphical interface, a different additional layer forms. The shell may run the graphical interface, which ultimately performs the other programs. The layered architecture of Linux allows for many sets of applications that serve similar functions such as mailing or printing to be installed and operated easily.

Layered architectures allows for the running of System Services, and utility programs simultaneously. Part II: The Essay The automated insulin delivery system is a process, made of five components that automatically sense process and release the right amount of insulin to control the level of blood sugar level in patients suffering from diabetes. The main function of the blood sugar sensor is to detect the amount of glucose in the blood. The sensors are made in such a way that they can detect any variations in the blood sugar level and relay the information to the subsequent component.

The sensors are fixed within the blood parameters to carry out this function. If there is any variation in the level of blood sugar, the sensors send a message to the blood sugar analysis component through relationships or links between the two components of the system. The blood sugar analysis examines the information to find out if the changes in the blood sugar level are genuine and require any further action. The detection of more than enough glucose level in the blood triggers the blood sugar analyzer to automatically send a message to the insulin requirement computation for the calculation and sourcing of the insulin for use in the subsequent steps.

The insulin delivery controller uses the raw data that has been processed by the computational chamber to release the right amount of insulin for use in the control of the changes in the glucose level in the blood. The insulin delivery controller’s main function is to deliver adequate insulin for easy pumping at the subsequent insulin pump chamber. The insulin pump, the final chamber, then releases the right amount of insulin into the bloodstream in a methodical and consistent way to manage the level of the variation in blood sugar level in the body.

References Cunningham, H. (2002). GATE, a General Architecture for Text Engineering. Computers & the Humanities, 36(2), 223-254. Davis, M. (2011). Will software engineering ever be engineering? Communications of the ACM, 54(11), 32-34. Marsh, D. (2005). Embedded Linux steals design wins. EDN Europe, 50(6), 20-32. Vlas, R.E., & Robinson, W.N. (2012). Two Rule-Based Natural Language Strategies for Requirements Discovery and Classification in Open Source Software Development Projects. Journal of Management Information Systems, 28(4), 11-38. Wlad, J. (2006).

Lynux avionics puts reusable software in the ascendant. Electronics Weekly, (2236), 58-58.