Research

DERty UML: Specification, Modeling, Testing and Formal Verification

Designing complex systems starts with abstract models. We are pursuing approaches beyond the Unified Modeling Language (UML). In close cooperation with the UFRGS in Porto Allegre, Brasil, various aspect-oriented techniques are currently under evaluation. For systems with immanent emergent behavior a particular focus is placed on runtime verification through Online Model Checking.

DERty DREAMS: Component-­Based Distributed Real-­Time Operating Systems

Typically, Real-­Time applications are built on top of Real-­Time Operating Systems (RTOS) or Distributed Real-­time Extensible Application Management Systems (DREAMS). Our highly configurable Real-­Time Operating System ORCOS (Organic Reconfigurable Operating System) is available as Open Source. ORCOS boasts extremely short response times alongside a very small footprint and includes self-­optimization and virtualization.

DERty RuSt: Reconfigurable Hard and Software Systems

In addition, the underlying hardware can be designed in a reconfigurable way. Dynamically reconfigurable hardware poses the challenge of distinguishing whether a structural change comes as a result of a malfunction or from a desired reconfiguration. We meet this challenge employing methods of Artificial Immune Systems, exploiting the hardware’s reconfigurability for targeted countermeasures against malfunctions.

Our three areas of research are closely connected. Furthermore, we investigate a variety of areas of application, ranging from self-­optimizing systems for mechanical engineering to AR-­based design systems for embedded solutions.