A Logical Framework to Deal with Variability

We present a logical framework that is able to deal with variability in product family descriptions. The temporal logic MHML is based on the classical Hennessy–Milner logic with Until and we interpret it over Modal Transition Systems (MTSs). MTSs extend the classical notion of Labelled Transition Systems by distinguishing possible (may) and required (must) transitions: these two types of transitions are useful to describe variability in behavioural descriptions of product families. This leads to a novel deontic interpretation of the classical modal and temporal operators, which allows the expression of both constraints over the products of a family and constraints over their behaviour in a single logical framework. Finally, we sketch model-checking algorithms to verify MHML formulae as well as a way to derive correct products from a product family description.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2010
• Where: IFM
• Authors: Patrizia Asirelli, Maurice H. ter Beek, Alessandro Fantechi, Stefania Gnesi
• Keywords: Formal Methods, IFM 2010, Logical Framework, Product Family, Transition Systems