Extending statecharts with process algebra operators

This paper describes an adaptation of statecharts to take advantage of process algebra operators like those found in CSP and EB³. The resulting notation is called algebraic state transition diagrams (ASTDs). The process algebra operators considered include sequence, iteration, parallel composition, and quantified synchronization. Quantification is one of the salient features of ASTDs, because it provides a powerful mechanism to precisely and explicitly define cardinalities in a dynamic model. The formal semantics of ASTDs is expressed using the operational style typically used in process algebras. The target application domain is the specification and implementation of information systems.