Case studies on automated verification with slope boundaries for block diagrams

Abstract

Model-based development is increasingly used in embedded systems, which are often deployed in a safety-critical environment. Verification techniques, supporting the development process can not only increase safety, but also help to speed up the process. In many cases models are designed with block diagrams, assisting rapid prototyping. However, automated verification is, thereafter, often applied to the resulting code. Instead of focusing on code, we apply verification techniques to models consisting of block diagrams and MATLAB code. We propose to combine a value and slope range analysis, with symbolic methods. In this way, our concept can not only prove properties in models, but also check rate requirements automatically, which arise from physical constraints of the environment. We evaluate our work in case studies from ongoing research projects. These case studies cover the domains of clinical intensive care, autonomous drone control and driver assistance. All systems are also evaluated with a commercial verification tool, highlighting benefits of the tool and our implementation.