ViSpec: A graphical tool for elicitation of MTL requirements

TL;DR

ViSpec is a user-friendly graphical tool that simplifies the creation of formal MTL specifications for robotic systems, making formal methods more accessible to non-experts.

Contribution

The paper introduces ViSpec, a graphical tool that automatically translates visual specifications into MTL, easing formal requirements elicitation for non-experts.

Findings

High accuracy in formal requirement definition by users

Effective application in robotic surgery and quadcopter safety

Positive usability feedback from academic and industry users

Abstract

One of the main barriers preventing widespread use of formal methods is the elicitation of formal specifications. Formal specifications facilitate the testing and verification process for safety critical robotic systems. However, handling the intricacies of formal languages is difficult and requires a high level of expertise in formal logics that many system developers do not have. In this work, we present a graphical tool designed for the development and visualization of formal specifications by people that do not have training in formal logic. The tool enables users to develop specifications using a graphical formalism which is then automatically translated to Metric Temporal Logic (MTL). In order to evaluate the effectiveness of our tool, we have also designed and conducted a usability study with cohorts from the academic student community and industry. Our results indicate that both groups were able to define formal requirements with high levels of accuracy. Finally, we present applications of our tool for defining specifications for operation of robotic surgery and autonomous quadcopter safe operation.