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Diagram Gate
Description
A Diagram Gate is a simple graphical way to indicate the point at which messages can be transmitted into and out of interaction fragments. A fragment might be required to receive or deliver a message; internally, an ordered message reflects this requirement, with a gate indicated on the boundary of the fragment's frame. Any external messages 'synching' with this internal message must correspond appropriately. Gates can appear on Interaction diagrams (Sequence, Timing, Communication or Interaction Overview), interaction occurrences and combined fragments (to specify the expression).
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OMG UML Specification:
The OMG UML specification (UML Superstructure Specification, v2.1.1, p. 480) states:
A Gate is a connection point for relating a Message outside an InteractionFragment with a Message inside the InteractionFragment ... Gates are connected through Messages. A Gate is actually a representative of an OccurrenceSpecification that is not in the same scope as the Gate. Gates play different roles: we have formal gates on Interactions, actual gates on InteractionUses, expression gates on CombinedFragments.