Regular model checking for LTL(MSO)

Abstract

Regular model checking is a form of symbolic model checking for parameterized and infinite-state systems whose states can be represented as words of arbitrary length over a finite alphabet, in which regular sets of words are used to represent sets of states. We present LTL(MSO), a combination of the logics MSO and LTL as a natural logic for expressing temporal properties to be verified in regular model checking. LTL(MSO) is a two-dimensional modal logic, where MSO is used for specifying properties of system states and transitions, and LTL is used for specifying temporal properties. In addition, the first-order quantification in MSO can be used to express properties parameterized on a position or process. We give a technique for model checking LTL(MSO), which is adapted from the automata-theoretic approach: a formula is translated to a (Büchi) transducer with a regular set of accepting states, and regular model checking techniques are used to search for models. We have implemented the technique and show its application to a number of parameterized algorithms from the literature. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2004.