Specification and Model-Based Diagnosis of Higher-Order Discrete-Event Systems

A novel class of discrete-event systems, called higher-order DESs (HDESs) is introduced, along with a relevant diagnosis technique. The behavior of a HDES is stratified, resulting in a hierarchy of cohabiting sub-DESs, each one living its own life. The communication between subsystems at different levels of abstraction relies on complex events, occurring when specific patterns of transitions are matched. Separation of concerns is achieved and the expressive power of diagnosis, which is scalable and context-sensitive, is enhanced.