C1_SCXD System Context Definition Viewpoint
| Domain | Aspect | Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Context & Exchange |  released |
Purpose
The System Context Definition Viewpoint defines on a conceptual level how the SOI is embedded in its environment, i.e., where the boundary of the SOI is and who the external entities are the SOI interacts with (e.g., users, other external systems, environmental conditions, etc.). In addition, the System Context Definition Viewpoint serves as architecture concept to demonstrate how the architecture description defined in the Operational Context Definition Viewpoint is realized.
Applicability
The System Context Definition Viewpoint supports the “prepare for system requirement definition” activity included in the “System Requirements Definition Process” activities of the INCOSE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING HANDBOOK 2023 [§2.3.5.3] and contributes to the artifact “System Requirements Definition Report”.
Supported Processes
Supported Information Items
Presentation
A block definition diagram (BDD) featuring the following elements
- one Conceptual System block representing SOI in the conceptual domain
- a Conceptual Context block representing the addressed context in the conceptual domain
- Contextual System, Conceptual User and Conceptual Environment blocks for each relevant context element
- composition relationship from context block to each context element used in the context
- a composition relationship from context block to the SOI
The SOI is identified by the part stereotype
A tabular format listing context roles, context elements, and respective descriptions.
Stakeholder
Concern
- Where and what are the geographical and physical locations of the intended or proposed elements of the solution?
- Which are the external conceptual entities the system interacts with in the given context?
- Which are the given contexts the system is embedded and utilized in?
- Which interface partners does the system have?
Exposed Concepts
The Diagram shows the concepts exposed by the viewpoint, and related concepts if necessary.
The Table shows the concepts exposed by the viewpoint, and related concepts if necessary.
| Concept | Documentation |
|---|---|
| Conceptual External System | A Conceptual External System in the Conceptual Domain, outside the SOI scope, interacting with the SOI. E.g., power grid, mobile network, fresh water system (in a house). |
| Conceptual User | The Conceptual User is the representation for a human in the Conceptual Domain, outside the SOI scope, interacting with the SOI. |
| Conceptual Context Element Role | Specifies the fact that a Conceptual Context Element acts in a given Conceptual System Context. |
| Conceptual System Context | Specifies the fact that a System Context for a System of Interest is defined on Conceptual Level. |
| Conceptual SOI Role | Specifies the fact that a Conceptual System acts as SOI exists in a given Conceptual System Context. |
| Conceptual Environment | A Conceptual Environment in the Conceptual Domain, outside the SOI scope, interacting with the SOI. E.g., air, dirt, sun, road. |
| Conceptual System | Describes a conceptual system as specification for an implementation of a system. It is used in both functional and logical architectures on any hierarchy level. |
Realization of exposed Concepts
The Diagram shows the realization of exposed concepts.
The Table shows the realization of exposed concepts.
Related Viewpoints
Required Viewpoints
Recommended Viewpoints
Example
