Fully abstract models for a process language with refinement

Abstract

We study the use of sets of labelled partial orders (pomsets) as denotational models for process algebras. More specifically, we study their capability to capture degrees of nonsequentiality of processes. We present four full abstractness results. The operational equivalences are based on maximal action-sequences and step-sequences — defined for a very simple process language and its extensions with a refinement combinator (change of atomicity). The denotational models are all expressed as abstractions of a standard association of sets of labelled partial orders with processes.