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West Virginia University

Random search of AND-OR graphs representing finite-state models

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

Model checking tools have been effective in testing concurrent software represented by communicating finite-state machines. But these tools may require a very large amount of memory. A finite-state model can be translated automatically into a compact AND-OR graph. We use an abductive random search scheme to extract, from the AND-OR graph, information about the execution of the program represented by the original finite-state model.;We use the search to measure testability. For AND-OR graphs representing highly testable programs, we find quickly everything it is possible to find; that is, if the number of unique goals found is plotted, we see a quick rise to a level plateau. The search can also be used to prove simple logical properties.;To determine what makes a finite-state model more or less testable, we analyze random search results for 15,000 randomly generated models with a range of attributes. We also show how this technique can be used on a model much too large for model checking tools.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
MS
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
Year dc:date.available
2002

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Owen, David Robert
Contributors dc:contributor
  • Bojan Cukic.

Subjects

dc:subject × 1

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:researchrepository.wvu.edu:etd-2240

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
West Virginia University
Base URL
researchrepository.wvu.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Owen, David Robert. Random search of AND-OR graphs representing finite-state models. Thesis thesis, 2002. https://doi.org/10.33915/etd.1237