BCAG's current practice uses tools and methods that do not exploit the latest electronic technology. Usually the system requirements are delivered in paper format, digested by the software developers who then write software specifications that satisfy the system requirements. Embedded software is ultimately produced that must then be verified against the original requirements and software specifications. We will explore methods of electronic specification transmission (or transmission of specific semantics), reducing possible errors, followed by methods for automatic generation of the specifications themselves as more electronic representation tools are utilized.
Our vision plans for developing a framework where prototyping and other design testing concepts can become an integral part of the design and requirements document generation. Our vision should make use of active electronic books, both as more usable documentation and for better traceability in automatic generation of production quality software. This can be achieved if the required tools are integrated into an accepted framework.
We plan to develop a prototype that tests concepts for infusion into the current process. As concepts are proven, newer processes can be devised that make the most benefit of the newest technology. These will lead towards more consistent specification representations especially if automatic code generation is to be achieved.