A process algebra of communicating shared resources with dense time and priorities

Abstract

The correctness of real-time distributed systems depends not only on the function they compute but also on their timing characteristics. Furthermore, those characteristics are strongly influenced by the delays due to synchronization and resource availability. Process algebras have been used successfully to define and prove correctness of distributed systems. More recently, there has been a lot of activity to extend their application to real-time systems. The problem with most current approaches is that they ignore resource constraints and assume either maximum parallelism (i.e., unlimited resources) or pure interleaving (i.e., single resource). Algebra of communicating shared resources (ACSR) is a process algebra designed for the formal specification and manipulation of distributed systems with resources and real-time constraints. A dense time domain provides a more natural way of specifying systems compared to the usual discrete time. Priorities provide a measure of urgency for each action and can be used to ensure that deadlines are met. In ACSR, processes are specified using resource bound, timed actions and instantaneous synchronization events. Processes can be combined using traditional operators such as nondeterministic choice and parallel execution. Specialized operators allow the specification of real-time behavior and constraints. The semantics of ACSR is defined as a labeled transition system. Equivalence between processes is based on the notion of strong bisimulation. A sound and complete set of algebraic laws can be used to transform almost any ACSR process into a normal form.