An Adaptive Control Model for Non-functional Feature Interactions

Many systems, especially distributed embedded systems, have very strong emphasis on non-functional properties, which are often cross-cutting and difficult to capture in a modular way. Here, we consider non-functional feature interactions, which occur if two features show unexpected behavior regarding non-functional properties. The goal is to handle non-functional properties and interactions in a modular and flexible way on a separate control layer. On this control layer, we can adapt control components to different feature interactions. We use state charts to describe control models and use state chart refinement to make interactions explicit. We present our approach by two examples with several non-functional feature interactions and argue that the control layer can address these. The main advantages are modular control of non-functional properties and explicit modeling of non-functional feature interactions on a separate control layer.