Consistency Validation of Transforming UML Statechart Models to Flat State Machine Models with USE Approach

Abstract

Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) supports software development through the systematic use of models, meta-models, and model transformations, making transformation validation a critical concern. This paper addresses the consistency validation of a transformation from UML statechart diagrams to Flat State Machines (FSMs). The transformation is formalized as a transformation model using a UML class diagram enriched with Object Constraint Language (OCL) invariants. The UML-based Specification Environment (USE) model validator is used to automatically verify transformation consistency and its implied properties, including weak consistency, class instantiability, and class and association instantiability. A case study based on an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) system demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach in supporting reliable software development within Model-Driven Engineering.