Inferring physical units in B models

Abstract

Most state-based formal methods, like B, Event-B or Z, provide support for static typing. However, these methods and the associated tools lack support for annotating variables with (physical) units of measurement. There is thus no obvious way to reason about correct or incorrect usage of such units. In this paper we present a technique that analyses the usage of physical units throughout a B machine, infers missing units and notifies the user of incorrectly handled units. The technique combines abstract interpretation with classical animation and model checking and has been integrated into the ProB validation tool, both for classical B and for Event-B. It provides source-level feedback about errors detected in the models. The plugin uses a combination of abstract interpretation and constraint solving techniques. We provide an empirical evaluation of our technique, and demonstrate that it scales up to real-life industrial models. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.