Formal Analysis of Workflows Using UML 2.0 Activities and Graph Transformation Systems

Abstract

Graph transformation has recently become more and more popular as a general visual language to formally state the dynamic semantics of the designed models. Using this technique, we present a highly understandable yet precise approach to formally model the behavioral semantics of UML 2.0 Activity diagrams. Automated formal verification and analysis of UML Activities is the main advantage of our approach. In our proposal, AGG toolset is used to design Activities, then using our previous approach to model checking graph transformation systems, designers can verify and analyze designed Activity diagrams. One of the main application areas of the Activities is workflow modeling; hence to illustrate our approach, we use our proposed semantics for modeling and verification of workflows.

Verification and Validation of Activity Diagrams Using Graph Transformation

“…After adding constraints to graph transformation system, the static part of the semantics is completed. [1] Fig2:A sample activity diagram [1] This figure represent a workflow modeled with activity diagram .this activity can be image as host graph in graph transformation system. For each node in activity diagram, there is a node (class) in host graph .Class diagrams have three parts: (i) class name, (ii) attributes, (iii) functions.…”

“…[1] The VIATRA (Visual Automated model transformations) framework is the core of a transformation-based verification and validation environment for improving the quality of systems designed using the Unified Modeling Language by automatically checking consistency, completeness, and dependability requirements. [2] validation of system properties by assigning a graph transformation based semantics to some system model, graph transformation based evolution of software, and the definition of visual languages based on graph grammars.…”

“…Graph transformation system must be design in AGG, also properties define by special rules. [1] If designers are expert in graph transformation ,they can directly to model workflows by using graph transformation system. In this approach designers do not need to learn of formal method.…”

“…In fact semantics of UML2.0 activity diagrams define on token flow and rules that determine for it. [1] The dynamic behavior of an Activity is modeled by token flow. we assume that the tokens flow through the Activity in a natural way, i.e.…”

“…namely it dose not have a formal semantics for define behavior of systems. [1] Other visual modeling languages like SDL, Petri nets, State Charts and visual languages for specific industrial applications are used for various application domains as well. Obviously, the structure of graphics and of visual languages can be adequately expressed by graphs and graph grammars.…”