A theory of system interaction: Components, interfaces, and services

Abstract

We study models, specification, and refinement techniques of distributed interactive software systems composed of interfaces and components. A theory for the interaction between such systems is given. We concentrate on the interaction between systems and their environments as well as the interaction between the components of systems. We show how to model interfaces and interactions by logical formulas in the style of design by contract, by state machines, and streams of messages and signals. This leads to a theory interface abstraction of systems, which is essential for an interaction view. In particular, we treat interaction refinement. We introduce a service concept that is purely based on interaction. © 2006 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.