On-the-fly model checking from interval logic specifications

Abstract

Future Interval Logic (FIL) and its intuitive graphical representation, Graphical Interval Logic (GIL), can be used as the formal description language of model checking tools to verify hardware and software systems. An interval clearly defines the temporal scope over which properties are evaluated. From interval formulas specifying the temporal behavior of a system we obtain their semantically equivalent Büchi automata, but in such a way that our algorithm can be integrated into an on-the-fly model checking tool. As the property automaton can be generated simultaneously with, and guided by, the construction of the system model, it is possible to detect that a property is violated by constructing only a part of both state spaces. This is the first time that this kind of algorithm has been developed for an interval logic. The relations with other automated verification techniques from linear temporal logic are also discussed. Moreover, an appendix with proof of the correctness of our algorithm is included.