Model-based automated and guided configuration of embedded software systems

Abstract

Configuring Integrated Control Systems (ICSs) is largely manual, time-consuming and error-prone. In this paper, we propose a model-based configuration approach that interactively guides engineers to configure software embedded in ICSs. Our approach verifies engineers' decisions at each configuration iteration, and further, automates some of the decisions. We use a constraint solver, SICStus Prolog, to automatically infer configuration decisions and to ensure the consistency of configuration data. We evaluated our approach by applying it to a real subsea oil production system. Specifically, we rebuilt a number of existing verified product configurations of our industry partner. Our experience shows that our approach successfully enforces consistency of configurations, can automatically infer up to 50% of the configuration decisions, and reduces the complexity of making configuration decisions. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.