AlgoSyn (GRK 1298/2)

 

Algorithmic Synthesis of Reactive and Discrete-Continuous Systems

Background: Automatic Synthesis of Software

Today, methods of software validation and verification are well-established, based on and secured by adequate formal models, and proven in practical application.

The more sophisticated approach of automated synthesis of software (and hardware), by contrast, has been developed in rudimentary form as yet, even though there are several scenarios in which such a synthesis approach seems to be promising, e.g. particularly in reactive (multi-agent)systems with low data complexity and in control systems.

Software synthesis is being investigated in theoretical computer science, but also in engineering disciplines with a focus on application; both fields approach the topic from very different perspectives, however.

Goals

The AlgoSyn Graduate Research Training Group seeks to integrate these research approaches and develop a set of instruments in the form formal models and algorithmic solutions, taking into account the requirements of central engineering disciplines.

Teaching and research in the group will be closely integrated; the doctoral projects conducted at in the group are interdisciplinary in outlook and seek to enhance the integration olf methods.

Key Research Areas

Key research areas include:

• the establishment of system models to support algorithmic solutions of the synthesis problem
• the combination of discrete and continuous parameters (hybrid systems)
• the integration of theories concerning models and modeling languages that have been developed in diverse areas of application

The Group's Research will focus on the following topics:

• Algorithmics for agent-based, probabilistic, and hybrid systems
• Formal models of reactive systems and game theory methods
• Software development and modelling languages
• Applications and demonstrators

The two first-named topics aim at the further development of theoretical foundations. The field of "software development" is to create an interface to the engineering disciplines, and under "applications and demonstrators," the systems development processes in areas such as chip design, process control engineering, and transportation.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

To address the above challenges The group will pool expertise from the disciplines of

• Computer Science
• Mathematics
• Micropocessor Systems
• Automatic Control Engineering
• Process Control Engineering
• Rail Transportation Engineering

Spokesperson

Spokesperson for the Group is Professor Wolfgang Thomas, Chair of Computer Science 7 - Logic and Theory of Discrete Systems.