Transition between Different Abstraction Levels in an Abstract State Machine (ASM) Ground Model

Abstract

Using Abstract State Machines (ASMs) we can specify a service or piece of software formally for the purpose of future implementation. During the development life-cycle the related specification evolves. Abstract functions and rules are defined, new functions and rules are introduced and arbitrary data structures are instantiated with the specification being refined towards implementation. Two main abstraction levels are introduced in this paper to show a possible classification of abstraction levels of a formal specification. Furthermore, the basic differences and basic transition guidelines between those levels are discussed. A small example of the proposed two main abstraction levels is shown on a high-level specification of a potential transition machine to outline the intended transition process, typical appearance of abstraction level stages and refinement patterns.