Taming the Octopus: Using Formal Models to Integrate the Octopus Object Oriented Analysis Models

The Octopus method packages a rich set of mostly graphical object-oriented (OO) modeling techniques that facilitate the creation of abstract, well-structured models of structure and behavior along a variety of modeling perspectives. The techniques provide good tools for managing the complexity in reactive, embedded systems. On the other hand, the lack of precise semantics for the modeling notations used diminishes the role it can play in the development of critical reactive systems. In this paper we describe an extension to the Octopus analysis techniques that provides support for precise speciication and rigorous analysis. We use a formal notation, Z, to describe formally the concepts captured by Octopus analysis models. The formal notation enhances the applicability of Octopus models to critical, reactive systems.