Pattern-based analysis of automated production systems

Abstract

As formal verification tools gain popularity, the problem arises of making them more accessible to engineers. A correct understanding of the logics in which properties are expressed is needed in order to guarantee that properties correctly encode the intent of the verification process. Writing appropriate properties, in a logic suitable for verification, is a skilful process. Errors in this step of the process can create serious problems since a false sense of security if gained with the analysis. However, when compared to the effort put into developing and applying modelling languages, little attention has been devoted to the process of writing properties that accurately capture verification requirements. This paper illustrates how a collection of property patterns, and its tool support, can help in simplifying the process of generating logical formulae from informally expressed requirements.