Extending Event-B with discrete timing properties

Abstract

Event-B is a formal language for systems modelling, based on set theory and predicate logic. It has the advantage of mechanized proof, and it is possible to model a system in several levels of abstraction by using refinement. Discrete timing properties are important in many critical systems. However, modelling of timing properties is not directly supported in Event-B. In this work, we identify three main categories of discrete timing properties for trigger response patterns, deadline, delay and expiry. We introduce language constructs for each of these timing properties that augment the Event-B language. We describe how these constructs have been given a semantics in terms of the standard Event-B constructs. To ease the process of using timing properties in a refinement-based development, we introduce patterns for refining the timing constructs that allow timing properties on abstract models to be replaced by timing properties on refined models. The language constructs and refinement patterns are illustrated through some generic examples.

We have developed a tool to support our approach. Our tool is a plug-in to the Rodin tool-set for Event-B and automates the translation of timing properties to Event-B as well as the generation of gluing invariants, required to verify the consistency of timing properties refinement. In the end, we demonstrate the practicality of our approach, by going through the modelling and verifying process of two real-time case studies. The main focus will be the usefulness of the timing refinement patterns in a step-wise modelling and verification process of a real-time system.

More information

Identifiers

ORCID for Michael Butler: orcid.org/0000-0003-4642-5373

Catalogue record

Export record