UML-B

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UML-B provides a 'UML-like' graphical front end for Event-B. It provides various diagrammatic modelling notations and editors for creating models which are then translated into Event-B for verification. Two versions of UML-B are available.

The original UML-B where a complete project is modelled in a diagrammatic project. A separate Event-B project is then generated for verification. This provides a high degree of hiding of the Event-B models although it is still necessary to annotate the diagrams with invariants guards and actions. Beginners who are not familiar with formal modelling may prefer this version.

A new version called iUML-B (i for integrated) embeds diagrams in the Event-B models. This allows the modeller to model in normal Event-B but also contribute some aspects of the model via diagrams. Those more familiar with Event-B may prefer this version.

It adds support for class-oriented and state machine modelling but also provides visualisation of existing Event-B modelling concepts. UML-B is similar to UML but is a new notation with its own meta-model. UML-B provides tool support, including drawing tools and a translator to generate Event-B models. The tools are closely integrated with the Event-B tools so that when a drawing is saved the translator automatically generates the corresponding Event-B model. The Event-B verification tools (syntax checker and prover) then run automatically providing an immediate display of problems which are indicated on the relevant UML-B diagram element.

To start using UML-B, first enter the UML-B 'perspective' using the normal eclipse features (e.g. Window - open perspective - other). You should see a dolphin icon in the top right corner when you are in the UML-B perspective. Create a new UML-B project using the UML-B new project wizard (e.g. File - New - Project - UML-B Project). This will create a new UML-B Project and open a Package Diagram with an empty canvas ready for you to start drawing Machines and Contexts.

Lectures

These slides give a quick introduction to UML-B explaining the concept of the various diagrams and illustrating their use with some examples

Lecture 1 - Introduction to UML-B and use of UML-B Class and Context Diagrams

Lecture 2 - Use of UML-B State Machine Diagrams

Lecture 3 - How to perform Refinement in UML-B

Tutorials

A simple tutorial, showing the basics of how to construct a UML-B model using all the diagram types. UML-B Tutorial

An illustration showing how to refine statemachines Refinement of Statemachines

Worked Examples

Modelling with UML-B Class and Context Diagrams - Railway Interlocking Safety Requirements

Modelling with UML-B State-machine Diagrams - Aircraft Engines

More detail about the various diagram types.

Package Diagram

Context Diagram

Class Diagram

Statemachine Diagram

Animation of Statemachine Diagrams

FAQ

UML-B FAQ

Migrating old UML-B models to the latest format

(No migration is necessary when upgrading to UML-B version 2.1.0 from 1.1.0)

Upgrading to a later version of UML-B may mean that your existing models no longer match the UML-B metamodel. This will usually occur when the UML-B version number has increased in the first or second number. e.g. 0.4.x to 0.5.x.

Models that were created using UML-B version 0.4.x can be migrated to the current format using the built-in migration tool which is invoked by right clicking on the *.umlb model file in your UML-B project. If the model needs migrating, the tool will delete all the diagrams in the project, reformat the model file and re-create the package diagram from it. You can then re-create your other diagrams using the open diagram buttons in the properties views or pop-up menus.

Models that were created using UML-B versions prior to 0.4.0 can not be migrated to the latest format and should be re-entered.

What's new

In version 2.1.0

In version 2.0.1

In version 1.1.0

Known bugs and workarounds

In version 2.1.0

In version 2.0.1