UCVSC: A Formal Approach to UML Class Diagram Online Verification Based on Situation Calculus

The gap between informal models used in a UML environment and formal verifications and proofs in academic research prevents UML from valid and efficient application. In this paper, we propose an approach to bridge the gap between UML class diagram and situation calculus via our formal verification tool, UCVSC (UML class diagram online verification based on situation calculus). UML class diagram describes a software system informally while situation calculus is employed as the underlying formalism to precisely specify the system. With respect to most components in UML class diagram, the strength of reasoning about actions and describing the state of the world in situation calculus can be applied to represent them appropriately. Using UML tools and predefined mapping mechanism, we transform UML class diagram to XMI, an intermediate format, and finally to situation calculus in Prolog syntax. This approach attempts to provide precise semantics of UML class diagram which can be logically verified. In addition, we automate the verification process in an online prototype system. Furthermore, a case study on an academic system is presented to illustrate and evaluate our approach.