Can't figure out how to add an Activity Parameter Node to an Activity Diagram

[Miguel]

I just feel that this is such a simple thing.  I think I know what I want to do, but I can't figure out how to do it in EA.

I'm using EA15.1 (1528).

I just want to add an Activity Parameter on the frame of an Activity Diagram (SysML 1.5).  I create a new Activity Diagram in my model.  While viewing it, I see "Parameter" in the toolbox.  I highlight it and my cursor changes to look like I'm going to add it to the diagram, but I click on the diagram near the frame and click and nothing happens.  I've tried various nuances for dragging, where to click, etc.  Ugh.  I'm not even sure this is the same thing as an "Activity Parameter".  Although I am no expert in Cameo, I went over to it to compare and I was able to add it in an extremely straight-forward manner, so I don't believe I'm trying to do anything that is unusual.

EA (can't figure it out):



Cameo (took 2 seconds):



Could someone please describe how this is done in EA?  I'm sorry for such a mundane question, but man, so many times, I know what I WANT to do, but can't figure out how in EA.

[qwerty]

You need to create an activity (or use an existing one) and drag the parameter over it. You can't attach a parameter to a diagram frame.

q.

[Miguel]

Thanks, qwerty, for the quick reply.  OK, I can get it to work that way, but it's a bit odd to have the parameter come in directly to an activity.  I have a couple of different books on SysML that talk about putting parameters on the frame of the activity diagram, and Cameo supports it.  Looks to me like this is a non-implemented SysML capability in EA.  Even so, with your suggestion, I can make it work.  Thanks, again.

[qwerty]

EA implements SysML via an UML profile. That might deviate in the one or other way from pure SysML. I'm not too familiar with SysML. Maybe if during the week you can get a more profound answer. Eventually you can send a bug report (see Support section below).

q.

[KP]

Miguel,

Looking at your first post, the diagram frame that you are trying to drop an activity parameter onto represents a package. A package can't own an activity parameter. Drop an activity onto that diagram and create an a child diagram beneath the activity and you will be able to create parameters on the frame of the new diagram.

HTH

[Miguel]

OK, qwerty and KP.  I understand now. 

I think what got me wrapped around the axle was getting the hierarchy right.  In EA, if I create a package for the behavior I'm trying to model and then I drop an activity diagram into it to start modeling, then the diagram header is "act[package]foo" but if I instead create the package, add an activity directly into it, and then under the activity, I create an activity diagram, that diagram header is "act[activity]foo".  In each case, they reflect the model element type of where I placed the diagram.  In the former, I can't put a parameter onto the frame, in the latter, I can.

Parenthetically, in Cameo, when I create a package and then add an activity diagram to it, Cameo silently creates an activity in the package and puts the diagram under that activity.  I like the behavior of EA better, but it did mean that it 'helped' me less.

Thank you for the guidance.  This is hard to figure out alone.  Your patience is appreciated.

[qwerty]

You need to remember: in EA there's not one way to do things but at least 2 (more often it's even more...).

ADs should be created from the element in the browser with context Add/Activity/with AD.

q.