Adding flows


Open ModelSphere offers two types of flows: the right-angle and the free angle flows. Both play exactly the same role; only their appearance is different.
  1. Select the flow creation tool located in the Process modeling toolbar ( or ).

  2. Choose one of the flows displayed in the toolbar (you can regularly use any of the associations, however, for the purpose of this example, choose the right angle flow ).

  3. With the flow tool selected, click somewhere in the middle of the source process, then, in the middle of the target process.

The Properties window of the flow contains a menu that gives information regarding the flows and linked objects.



Properties

The Design tab of the Properties window provides the following information: You can specify if it is a control flow (displayed with a dotted line on the graphic window), for example a flow that represents a triggering event.


Changing discrete-continuous property

The Discrete or Continuous option from the Flow Properties window lets you transform the nature of one or more diagram flows. Open ModelSphere lets you represent discrete flows as well as continuous flows. A discrete flow only has one arrowhead at its extremity(ies) while a continuous flow features two arrowheads at its extremity(ies).


Changing Control Property

The control flows do not transmit information between two objects. They specify that an event occurred or they give a command. These flows are called event flows.

When a process accepts and produces only event flows, it is called a control process. An input event flow has an effect on the control process which produces, afterwards, an output event flow. The input event flow indicates that the condition is satisfied for the transaction to occur. This transaction provokes an action represented by an output event flow.

As for the control store, it is used to keep the occurrences of a control flow. In the diagram window, a control object has a dotted frame. To change the control property of flows:
  1. Right-click on the object and choose Properties. It will open its properties window.

  2. Check the Control box.

  3. Click Apply and Close.

For processes, stores and external entities, you can also change the control option in their corresponding properties window.

In ModelSphere, the control notion also applies to external entities and to any notation.