A Q-model approach to decomposition and aggregation of specifications of real-time systems

Abstract

New application areas and the increasing complexity of problems to be solved with real-time systems have led to a corresponding decrease in the probability of designing a correct solution. In this paper a Q-model approach to the problem of dealing with complexity of the specification process, specifically some aspects of decomposition and aggregation, is discussed. The evolutionary development of a specification is recorded in the form of a heredity tree. The heredity tree is built up by decomposing, or aggregating, processes in the specification. To guarantee the correct data interfaces, and the equivalence of dynamic properties between specifications at different levels of detail (especially, when all timing parameters are not yet completely specified), dummy processes, to represent different time parameters and perform specific functions, are introduced.