Modeling software timing requirements: an environment based approach

Timing requirement as a key element in the embedded systems is becoming more and more important. However, at present, there is an integration problem between multiple environment time description and single software time description in timing requirements. On the basis of the environment based functional requirements, this paper proposes a multiform time requirements modeling approach trying to provide a solution to the integration problem at the requirement level. A multiform time requirement model is built by adding multiform time description to environment elements for supporting this approach. A timing requirements modeling process guided by the requirement model is also presented for helping timing requirements description on the basis of functional requirements. Steps from timing requirements to timing requirement specification are also given. Following these steps, requirements analysts can obtain the timing requirements specification easily.