Model checking UML Statechart diagrams using JACK

Abstract

Statechart diagrams provide a graphical notation for describing dynamic aspects of system behaviour within the Unified Modelling Language (UML). In this paper, we present a branching-time model-checking approach to the automatic verification of the formal correctness of UML Statechart diagram specifications. We use a formal operational semantics for building a labelled transition system (automaton) which is then used as a model to be checked against correctness requirements expressed in Action-Based Temporal Logic (ACTL). Our reference verification environment is JACK, where automata are represented in a standard format, which facilitates the use of different tools for automatic verification.