Automated inconsistency detection and solution proposals in cyber-physical system networks

In the engineering of cyber-physical systems the engineering process typically focuses on single systems and not on the entire system network. Within the system network the different specification artifacts (in consequence also the implemented systems) for the various cyber-physical systems evolve independently even though they highly interact with each other. As a result, inconsistencies between the different specification artifacts can emerge. An inconsistency implies that at least one artifact is incorrect. Following, specification inconsistencies among single cyber-physical systems within an entire system network endanger correct functioning of the network. Hence, it is of importance to identify all existing inconsistencies and to correct the corresponding artifacts. Therefore, this paper suggests a solution concept for supporting the identification and repair of inconsistencies in interaction-based specification artifacts. The approach relies (i) on the automated detection of inconsistencies among overlapping specification artifacts of different systems participating in the same cyber-physical network, and (ii) on the automated proposal of valid solution options to aid the engineers in decision making w.r.t. resolving the inconsistencies. In this paper, we apply the solution idea to ITU message sequence charts as a typical notation format for interaction-based behavioral specification artifacts of cyber-physical systems.