A Toolset for Supporting UML Static and Dynamic Model Checking

The Unified Modeling Language has become widely accepted as a standard in software development. Several tools have been produced to support UML model validation. However, most of them support either static or dynamic model checking; and no tools support to check both static and dynamic aspects of a UML model . But a UML model should include the static and dynamic aspects of a software system. Furthermore, these UML tools translate a UML model into a validation language such as PROMELA. But they have some shortcomings: there is no proof of correctness (with respect to the UML semantics) for these tools. In order to overcome these shortcomings, we present a toolset which can validate both static and dynamic aspects of a model; and this toolset is based on the semantic model using Abstract State Machines. Since the toolset is derived from the semantic model, the toolset is correct with respect to the semantic model

Rodin: an open toolset for modelling and reasoning in Event-B

Event-B is a formal method for system-level modelling and analysis. Key features of Event-B are the use of set theory as a modelling notation, the use of refinement to represent systems at different abstraction levels and the use of mathematical proof to verify consistency between refinement levels. In this article we present the Rodin modelling tool that seamlessly integrates modelling and proving. We outline how the Event-B language was designed to facilitate proof and how the tool has been designed to support changes to models while minimising the impact of changes on existing proofs. We outline the important features of the prover architecture and explain how well-definedness is treated. The tool is extensible and configurable so that it can be adapted more easily to different application domains and development methods

Modelling and Refinement in CODA

This paper provides an overview of the CODA framework for modelling and refinement of component-based embedded systems. CODA is an extension of Event-B and UML-B and is supported by a plug-in for the Rodin toolset. CODA augments Event-B with constructs for component-based modelling including components, communications ports, port connectors, timed communications and timing triggers. Component behaviour is specified through a combination of UML-B state machines and Event-B. CODA communications and timing are given an Event-B semantics through translation rules. Refinement is based on Event-B refinement and allows layered construction of CODA models in a consistent way.Comment: In Proceedings Refine 2013, arXiv:1305.563

The pros and cons of using SDL for creation of distributed services

In a competitive market for the creation of complex distributed services, time to market, development cost, maintenance and flexibility are key issues. Optimizing the development process is very much a matter of optimizing the technologies used during service creation. This paper reports on the experience gained in the Service Creation projects SCREEN and TOSCA on use of the language SDL for efficient service creation

An open extensible tool environment for Event-B

Abstract. We consider modelling indispensable for the development of complex systems. Modelling must be carried out in a formal notation to reason and make meaningful conjectures about a model. But formal modelling of complex systems is a difficult task. Even when theorem provers improve further and get more powerful, modelling will remain difficult. The reason for this that modelling is an exploratory activity that requires ingenuity in order to arrive at a meaningful model. We are aware that automated theorem provers can discharge most of the onerous trivial proof obligations that appear when modelling systems. In this article we present a modelling tool that seamlessly integrates modelling and proving similar to what is offered today in modern integrated development environments for programming. The tool is extensible and configurable so that it can be adapted more easily to different application domains and development methods.

A toolset for the development of mixed-criticality partitioned systems

The development of mixed-criticality virtualized multi-core systems poses new challenges that are being subject of active research work. There is an additional complexity: it is now required to identify a set of partitions, and allocate applications to partitions. In this job, a number of issues have to be considered, such as the criticality level of the application, security and dependability requirements, time requirements granularity, etc. MultiPARTES [11] toolset relies on Model Driven Engineering (MDE), which is a suitable approach in this setting, as it helps to bridge the gap between design issues and partitioning concerns. MDE is changing the way systems are developed nowadays, reducing development time. In general, modelling approaches have shown their benefits when applied to embedded systems. These benefits have been achieved by fostering reuse with an intensive use of abstractions, or automating the generation of boiler-plate code

Applying Atomicity and Model Decomposition to a Space Craft System in Event-B

Event-B is a formal method for modeling and verifying consistency of systems. In formal methods such as Event-B, refinement is the process of enriching or modifying an abstract model in a step-wise manner in order to manage the development of complex and large systems. To further alleviate the complexity of developing large systems, Event-B refinement can be augmented with two techniques, namely atomicity decomposition and model decomposition. Our main objective in this paper is to investigate and evaluate the application of these techniques when used in a refinement based development. These techniques have been applied to the formal development of a space craft system. The outcomes of this experimental work are presented as assessment results. The experience and assessment can form the basis for some guidelines in applying these techniques in future cases

The MODUS approach to formal verification

Background: Software reliability is of great importance for the development of embedded systems that are often used in applications that have requirements for safety. Since the life cycle of embedded products is becoming shorter, productivity and quality simultaneously required and closely in the process of providing competitive products Objectives: In relation to this, MODUS (Method and supporting toolset advancing embedded systems quality) project aims to provide small and medium-sized businesses ways to improve their position in the embedded market through a pragmatic and viable solution Methods/Approach: This paper will describe the MODUS project with focus on the technical methodologies that can assist formal verification and formal model checking. Results: Based on automated analysis of the characteristics of the system and by controlling the choice of the existing opensource model verification engines, model verification producing inputs to be fed into these engines. Conclusions: The MODUS approach is aligned with present market needs; the familiarity with tools, the ease of use and compatibility/interoperability remain among the most important criteria when selecting the development environment for a projec