Formally proving whether the software implementation of models applied in instrumentation and control systems conform to the specified requirements

Abstract

Research objective is to study the possibility to formally validate whether the model’s software implementation meets all the specified requirements of the systems, the model of which can be represented in the form of finite-state automata. Research relevance. At one of the first stages, the development of software for instrumentation and control systems provides for the creation of the system model. The model is based on the terms of reference, specification, and various a priori information. Most of the models for engineering systems in the modern mining industry (conveyor systems, ventilation systems, etc.) can be described in terms of the finite state automaton model. Such a model can be applied to solve diverse tasks. The next step is to implement the model in whole or in part. In this context, the task arises to determine the model’s software implementation conformity to its initial description. Results. One way to solve the task is to formally prove that the software model possesses the properties which are provided in the specification (description) of the initial model. By the example of the mine conveyor system, the paper illustrates the application of the method which consists in the software implementation of the corresponding finite-state automaton model, forecasting whether the model possesses the properties through theorems and their subsequent proof by applying special software. Conclusions. Formal methods of specification, development, and verification of system models’ software implementation together with other methods make it possible to improve the quality and reliability of solutions under development.