An intent-specifications model for a robotic software control system

Abstract

Intent specifications are a new way to structure specifications to support human problem solving, system and software development and evolution, traceability, and specification of design rationale. An intent specification provides a hierarchical abstraction based on intent ("why") in addition to the usual "what" and "how." For a given system being specified, an intent specification defines seven levels, each one of them supporting a different type of reasoning about the system. Each level is mapped to the appropriate parts of the intent levels above and below it, providing a means to trace design rationale and decisions from high-level system requirements and constraints down to code and vice versa (from code to specifications, requirements, and safety analyses). The third level of an intent specification contains a black-box model that uses an executable formal specification language, SpecTRM-RL, which provides special support for requirements review and analysis --particularly for completeness and safety. SpecTRM-RL models can be mathematically analyzed and checked for various properties, including human-computer interaction properties such as mode confusion. They can also be executed as part of system simulations.The approach is demonstrated using an industrial robot designed to service the heat resistant tiles on the Space Shuttle.

Incorporating controller intent into a runway incursion prevention system

“…This includes the development of a system that not only generates expectations of the operator's intent at one level, but also allows visibility into the changing potential for failure based on its operation and function. Within the system theory and cognitive engineering domains, such human-system interaction support is based on the notion of intent specification which attempts to provide a hierarchical abstraction focused more on intent (the 'why') in addition to continued support of 'what' and 'how' [12]. …”

A metamodel for an Adaptive Control System

“…In [2] a novel approach based on Hoare logic for reasoning about control systems is presented. In [12] the authors present intent-specifications model for a robotic software control system. According to the authors, an intent-specification is composed of seven levels that as a whole model the entire software control system.…”