Model Inference Approach for Detecting Feature Interactions in Integrated Systems

Many of the formal techniques are orchestrated for interaction detection in a complex integrated solution of hardware and software components. However, the applicability of these techniques is in question, keeping in view time-to-market delivery and scarcity of available resources. The situation is even more intractable when little or no knowledge of components is provided. We introduce a novel approach of using model inference methods in the domain. We advocate that these methods can be used in detecting feature interactions among components by putting the integrated system under a systematic testing effort and extracting only “context-relevant” models. Our technique allows us to detect those interactions in the system which are normally hidden while testing the components in isolation. We apply our approach to an active problem we are facing in furnishing mobile phone services.