Method and Apparatus for Computer-Implemented Verification of the Behavior of a Technical System

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This invention provides a method and apparatus for computer-based verification of the behavior of complex technical systems composed of multiple components (like robots and machines), each controlled by software. It creates formal models of the system's intended behavior and the capabilities of its physical components, combines them into an overall model, and then automatically checks if the real behavior matches the intended order and rules. If any discrepancies or errors occur, the system highlights them for correction. The approach can also automatically generate correct scheduling code once the behavior is verified as correct.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Design and validation of factory automation systems, such as assembly lines with multiple robots and machines.
• Development and testing of safety-critical industrial automation, like automotive manufacturing or pharmaceutical production plants.
• Automatic checking and validation of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) code before deployment in real machinery.
• Integration into computer-aided engineering tools for modeling, simulation, and verification of industrial control systems.
• Automatic synthesis of error-free process scheduling code for technical systems after validation.
• Ensuring reliable operation and synchronization in systems with parallel processes (e.g., robotics work cells).
• Formal test sequence specification and validation with well-defined pre- and post-conditions.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Greatly reduces the risk of undetected errors in technical systems by thorough, formal verification instead of manual testing.
• Automatically detects timing issues, process order violations, and race conditions, improving reliability and safety.
• Saves engineering time and cost by automating error detection and enabling direct generation of validated scheduling code.
• Improves transparency and traceability, as detected errors are linked back clearly to the modeled process flows.
• Supports flexible and modular system design by allowing verification and error-checking before actual deployment.
• Allows use of standard modeling languages (UML, IML), facilitating integration into existing engineering workflows.
• Enhances the robustness of automation systems, which is crucial for future smart factories and autonomous technical systems.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

A method for computer-implemented verification of the behavior of a technical system having a number of technical components (ROB, PM) interacting with each other under the control of respective software components is described. The method comprises the steps of: storing a formal representation of a sequential chart (SC) of the software components which specifies an intended order of activation and termination of multiple parallel processes executed by the technical components (ROB, PM) where at least some of the processes (P_1001, ..., P_2003) comprise an associated semantic annotation and/or condition; transforming the sequential chart (SC) to first automata models (AMS); storing a behavioral description (CL) representing its capabilities with regard to process activation and termination in a second storage device (22); transforming the behavioral description (CL) of the number of technical components (ROB, PM) to one or more second automata models (AMH); composing the first and the second automata models (AMS, AMH) to obtain an overall closed-loop model of the technical system representing the interaction of the software components and the technical components (ROB, PM); verifying the overall closed-loop model and providing an error information if a deviation from the intended order of the processes (P_1001, ..., P_2003) occurs on verification.