Appyling model-based testing to a train control system

Abstract

In this paper, we report on lessons learned with the application of model-based testing for the system validation of an embedded train control system. The applied approach is based on UML diagrams annotated with category-partition information. The approach consists of modeling, that is, creating UML use cases and activity diagrams from existing documentation, enhancing the models with testing requirements such as test coverage information and data variations, generating test cases in the form of executable scripts, and finally executing the test cases on a simulator in order to stimulate the application under test and verify its response automatically. This paper illustrates all these phases with an example from a train controller development project and proceeds to show that the approach is especially useful for verifying systems that can run in a simulated environment.