Patterns and templates for automated verification of user interface software design in PVS

This paper introduces a set of PVS theories for modelling and analysis of usability and safety aspects of user interface software design. Our PVS theories crystallise general usability issues commonly addressed in user‐centred safety requirements, such as the ability to undo user actions, the visibility of operational modes, and the predictability of user interface behaviour. These requirements have standard forms across different application domains, and can be instantiated as properties of specific devices. The modelling and analysis process in PVS is further facilitated by structuring the specification of the device according to a straightforward pattern. The verification process is supported by the PVS theorem prover, which provides support for the automated analysis of the modelled software behaviour. A concrete case study based on a commercial medical device is used to illustrate the approach. The device is modelled as a PVS theory and property templates are refined as theorems of the device specification. A detailed illustration is presented of the automated verification using the PVS theorem prover, demonstrating how failed proof attempts provide precise information about problematic user interface software features. © 2015 Newcastle University. Printed and published by Newcastle University, Computing Science, Claremont Tower, Claremont Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, England. Bibliographical details Title : Patterns and templates for automated verification of user interface software design in PVS. Authors: Michael D. Harrison, Jos\'{e} Creissac Campos, Paolo Masci Pages: 13 NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY Computing Science. Technical Report Series. CS-TR-1485