A middle type element is a special type element that is distinguished by the fact that these elements are positioned between two elements as an exploited relation. Examples include a middle type element ‘Verification’ which originates from a ‘Requirement’ and targets an ‘Object’, and a middle type element ‘Interface’ which originates from an ‘Object’ and targets another ‘Object’. A middle type element, like a standard type element, can be further enriched with type properties (e.g. a type property ‘Result’ for a type element ‘Verification’). Further, type relations can be added to provide meaningful relationships between type elements (e.g. a type relation ‘is verified with’ that connects the type elements ‘Verification’ and ‘Method’).

Create a new middle type element^*

When a new derived type element is created, the software creates a type element, a type relation where the to-element is the type element from which the action originates and a type relation where the to-element is the target type element.

1. In the workspace menu, click on  Type graphview.
2. In the model, click on the type element to which a new middle type element should be added.
3. In the toolbox, click on  New middle element. As a result, the dialog New middle element – Origin is opened.
4. Enter the settings conforming to the purpose of the middle element.
5. Click on Create. As a result, the dialog is closed and the new middle type element is created.

Update a middle type element^*

Update a middle type element is similar to updating a standard type element.

Note:

• When using the type list, a middle type element configured to act as inners must be made visible to be updated. Hover over the origin type element, and click on  Open menu. In the menu, click on show inner elements.

Delete a middle type element^*

Deleting a middle type element is similar to deleting a standard type element.

Note:

• When using the type list, a middle type element configured to act as inners must be made visible to be deleted. Hover over the origin type element, and click on  Open menu. In the menu, click on show inner elements.

Modify a standard type element to become a middle type element^*

1. Create an origin relation with a single cardinality from the to-be-configured middle type element to the origin type element.
2. Create, for every instance of the type element, a relation to an origin element.
3. Create a target relation with a single cardinality from the to-be-configured middle type element to the target type element.
4. Create, for every instance of the type element, a relation to a target element.
5. In the  Type graphview, click on the type element you want to configure as a middle element.
6. In the toolbox, click on Edit. This opens the dialog Type element settings.
7. On the tab Advanced, change the field Configuration to Middle.
8. In the field Origin relation, select the origin relation from the list.
9. In the field Target relation, select the target relation from the list.
10. Complete the settings conforming to the purpose of the middle element.

Notes:

• To change the configuration of a derived type element to a middle type element skip steps 1 and 2.

* In the workspace, the user type of your user must be set to power user to enable this feature.