2,250 research outputs found
MeGARA: Menu-based Game Abstraction and Abstraction Refinement of Markov Automata
Markov automata combine continuous time, probabilistic transitions, and
nondeterminism in a single model. They represent an important and powerful way
to model a wide range of complex real-life systems. However, such models tend
to be large and difficult to handle, making abstraction and abstraction
refinement necessary. In this paper we present an abstraction and abstraction
refinement technique for Markov automata, based on the game-based and
menu-based abstraction of probabilistic automata. First experiments show that a
significant reduction in size is possible using abstraction.Comment: In Proceedings QAPL 2014, arXiv:1406.156
The earlier the better: a theory of timed actor interfaces
Programming embedded and cyber-physical systems requires attention not only to functional behavior and correctness, but also to non-functional aspects and specifically timing and performance. A structured, compositional, model-based approach based on stepwise refinement and abstraction techniques can support the development process, increase its quality and reduce development time through automation of synthesis, analysis or verification. Toward this, we introduce a theory of timed actors whose notion of refinement is based on the principle of worst-case design that permeates the world of performance-critical systems. This is in contrast with the classical behavioral and functional refinements based on restricting sets of behaviors. Our refinement allows time-deterministic abstractions to be made of time-non-deterministic systems, improving efficiency and reducing complexity of formal analysis. We show how our theory relates to, and can be used to reconcile existing time and performance models and their established theories
Optimal infinite scheduling for multi-priced timed automata
This paper is concerned with the derivation of infinite schedules for timed automata that are in some sense optimal. To cover a wide class of optimality criteria we start out by introducing an extension of the (priced) timed automata model that includes both costs and rewards as separate modelling features. A precise definition is then given of what constitutes optimal infinite behaviours for this class of models. We subsequently show that the derivation of optimal non-terminating schedules for such double-priced timed automata is computable. This is done by a reduction of the problem to the determination of optimal mean-cycles in finite graphs with weighted edges. This reduction is obtained by introducing the so-called corner-point abstraction, a powerful abstraction technique of which we show that it preserves optimal schedules
IMITATOR II: A Tool for Solving the Good Parameters Problem in Timed Automata
We present here Imitator II, a new version of Imitator, a tool implementing
the "inverse method" for parametric timed automata: given a reference valuation
of the parameters, it synthesizes a constraint such that, for any valuation
satisfying this constraint, the system behaves the same as under the reference
valuation in terms of traces, i.e., alternating sequences of locations and
actions. Imitator II also implements the "behavioral cartography algorithm",
allowing us to solve the following good parameters problem: find a set of
valuations within a given bounded parametric domain for which the system
behaves well. We present new features and optimizations of the tool, and give
results of applications to various examples of asynchronous circuits and
communication protocols.Comment: In Proceedings INFINITY 2010, arXiv:1010.611
Model checking embedded system designs
We survey the basic principles behind the application of model checking to controller verification and synthesis. A promising development is the area of guided model checking, in which the state space search strategy of the model checking algorithm can be influenced to visit more interesting sets of states first. In particular, we discuss how model checking can be combined with heuristic cost functions to guide search strategies. Finally, we list a number of current research developments, especially in the area of reachability analysis for optimal control and related issues
The earlier the better: a theory of timed actor interfaces
Programming embedded and cyber-physical systems requires attention not only to functional behavior and correctness, but also to non-functional aspects and specifically timing and performance constraints. A structured, compositional, model-based approach based on stepwise refinement and abstraction techniques can support the development process, increase its quality and reduce development time through automation of synthesis, analysis or verification. For this purpose, we introduce in this paper a general theory of timed actor interfaces. Our theory supports a notion of refinement that is based on the principle of worst-case design that permeates the world of performance-critical systems. This is in contrast with the classical behavioral and functional refinements based on restricting or enlarging sets of behaviors. An important feature of our refinement is that it allows time-deterministic abstractions to be made of time-non-deterministic systems, improving efficiency and reducing complexity of formal analysis. We also show how our theory relates to, and can be used to reconcile a number of existing time and performance models and how their established theories can be exploited to represent and analyze interface specifications and refinement steps.\u
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Using formal methods to support testing
Formal methods and testing are two important approaches that assist in the development of high quality software. While traditionally these approaches have been seen as rivals, in recent
years a new consensus has developed in which they are seen as complementary. This article reviews the state of the art regarding ways in which the presence of a formal specification can be used to assist testing
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