Formal Methods in Systems Engineering

As computer technology is used to control critical systems to an increasing degree, it is vital that the methods for developing and understanding these systems are substantially improved. The mathematical and scientific foundations currently used are extremely limited which means that their correctness and reliability cannot be ensured to an acceptable level. Systems engineering needs to become a fully fledged scientific discipline, and formal methods, which are characterized by their firm mathematical foundations, are playing a vital role in achieving this transition. This volume is based on the proceedings of the Formal Methods Workshop held in Drymen, Scotland, in September 1991. This was the second workshop sponsored by the Canadian and US Governments to address the role of formal methods in the development of digital systems. The workshop concentrated on the themes of quality assurance, design methods and mathematical modelling techniques. Particular emphasis was given to safety and security applications.