Using Formal Methods to Model a Smart School System via TLA+ and its TLC Model Checker for Validation

Abstract

Formal methods are one of the efficient tools to verify and validate designs for different kinds of systems. Smart systems are attracting researchers' attention due to the rapid spread of new technologies all over the world. Modeling a smart system requires connecting heterogeneous subsystems together to build it. Our contribution to this work is in focusing on using formal methods to prove that a design model meets its specifications. We have chosen to design a smart school building system due to the lack of research in this particular area, and to prove that formal methods are appropriate for different systems applications. In this paper, we have used UML diagrams and the formal specification language TLA+ to design a smart school building system. We validate our design using the TLC model checker. The smart school system has many subsystems connected together including a secure access system, lighting control system, climate control system, and smoke detection system. Safety is a very important attribute in this system. Our goal is to have a smart system that satisfies its functional requirements as well as any non-functional requirements like safety. The system provides safety for employees and students in the smart school.