Engineering in software testing: statistical testing based on a usage model applied to medical device development

Biomed Instrum Technol. 1999 Jul-Aug;33(4):311-22.

Abstract

When a population is too large for exhaustive study, as is the case for all possible uses of a software system, a statistically correct sample must be drawn as a basis for inferences about the population. A Markov chain usage model is an engineering formalism that represents the population of possible uses for which a product is to be tested. In statistical testing of software based on a Markov chain usage model, the rich body of analytical results available for Markov chains provides numerous insights that can be used in both product development and test planing. A usage model is based on specifications rather than code, so insights that result from model building can inform product decisions in the early stages of a project when the opportunity to prevent problems is the greatest. Statistical testing based on a usage model provides a sound scientific basis for quantifying the reliability of software.

MeSH terms

  • Equipment Safety
  • Equipment and Supplies / standards*
  • Markov Chains
  • Models, Statistical*
  • Quality Control
  • Radiography / instrumentation
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Software / standards*
  • Software Validation
  • United States