Formalizing the notion of adaptive system behavior

ABSTRACT

In computer science the notion of adaptive systems has been used in different contexts for many years now. Although there is some intuitive, common understanding of the notion, a precise and universally practicable definition is still missing. More precisely, previous definitions fail to strictly differentiate between adaptive and non-adaptive systems. We investigate the intuitions and propose a precise definition that comprises most informal explanations. Methodical implications arising from our definition are discussed as well.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.1 Requirements/Specifications
          Subjects: Methodologies (e.g., object-oriented, structured)

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Theory

Keywords:
adaptive systems, context awareness, formal methods