Subsidies for the Application of State Machine Based Test Case Generation Methods

• Grant number: 10/04001-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2011
• End date: December 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Computer Science - Computing Methodologies and Techniques
• Principal Investigator: Adenilso da Silva Simão
• Grantee: Arineiza Cristina Pinheiro
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Matemáticas e de Computação (ICMC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 08/57870-9 - Critical Embedded Systems Institute, AP.TEM

Abstract

Model-based test case generation methods aim at derivation of test cases from formal specifications, such as finite state machines (FSM). There are several generation methods proposed in the literature, differing from each other with respect to the required properties of the FSMs, the costs of testing generated and effectiveness in revealing faults. Despite intense research in establishing those criteria, there are few tools available for application that provides a systematic way to define effective test strategies. The mode-based test strategies definition involves analysis of the application being tested, as well as the properties of the methods to be employed. With the prototype tool PLAVIS/FSM, developed in the context of the PLAVIS project, was an attempt to to provide a unified mechanism for exploring different methods of generation. The tool has been used both in the research group of ICMC/USP and the LEN/INPE in disciplines of graduate work and master's thesis. We identified the interest of broadening the scope of application of the tool to support the testing of embedded systems. However, there is a necessity of analyze the impact of these systems' characteristics in the available methods in the tool and what changes become necessary. Thus, this project aims to investigate the application of the test case generation methods from FSM in the context of embedded systems. Furthermore, the results of this research will form the basis for the development of the tool PLAVIS/FSM to meet new needs identified by the use of prototype and new contexts of application.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

PINHEIRO, Arineiza Cristina. Subsidies for the application of state machine based test case generation methods. 2012. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Matemáticas e de Computação (ICMC/SB) São Carlos.