Minimalist Qualitative Models for Model Checking Cyber-Physical Feature Coordination

Abstract

Feature-based systems may have interacting features, where undesired feature interaction(s) may even lead to safety-critical behavior in cyber-physical systems. Automotive systems are such systems, where more and more features are currently being integrated, which have to be coordinated. Automated and formal verification of the resulting behavior against safetyrelevant properties is important, and it should not be restricted to the cyber-part (inside the software implementing the features.)In order to address this problem, we investigate coordination of physical feature interactions in this context using model checking. In particular, we created and used a qualitative model for formal verification against a property in time logic. This model is intended to be minimalist, in particular the logical model based on a physical model (including speed and distance). This logical model defines the essence of operations in the dedicated environment. As a result, we formally verified the high-level logic of a composite feature to be used in automotive systems against a formalized accident property. In summary, we employ minimalist qualitative models for model checking (safety-critical) cyberphysical feature coordination. Such a verified qualitative model may provide a reference model for both quantitative models and real software implementations.