Dependable, intelligent voting for real-time control software

Croll, P.R.; Sharkey, A.J.C.; Bass, J.M.; Sharkey, N.E.; Fleming, P.J.

Abstract

An intelligent and dependable voting mechanism for use in real-time control applications is presented. Strategies proposed by current safety standards advocate N-version software to minimize the effects of undetected software design faults (bugs). This requires diversity in design but presents a problem in that truly diverse code produces diverse results; that is, differences in output values, timeliness and reliability. Reaching a consensus requires an intelligent voter, especially when non-stop operation is demanded, e.g. in aerospace applications. This paper, therefore, firstly considers the applicable safety standards and the requirements for an intelligent voter service. The use of replicated voters to improve reliability is examined and a mechanism to ensure non-stop operation is presented. The formal mathematical analysis used to verify the crucial behavioural properties of the voting service design is detailed. Finally, the use of neural nets and genetic algorithms to create N- version redundant voters, is considered.

Citation

Croll, P., Sharkey, A., Bass, J., Sharkey, N., & Fleming, P. (1995). Dependable, intelligent voting for real-time control software. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 8(6), 615-623. https://doi.org/10.1016/0952-1976%2895%2900044-5

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 1995-12
• Deposit Date: Dec 18, 2023
• Journal: Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence
• Print ISSN: 0952-1976
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 615-623
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0952-1976%2895%2900044-5