Validating Modal Aspects of OntoUML Conceptual Models Using Automatically Generated Visual World Structures

Alessander Botti Benevides (Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Brazil)

Giancarlo Guizzardi (Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Brazil)

Bernardo Ferreira Bastos Braga (Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Brazil)

Joao Paulo Andrade Almeida (Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Brazil)

Abstract: Assessing the quality of conceptual models is key to ensure that conceptual models can be used effectively as a basis for understanding, agreement and construction of information systems. This paper proposes an approach to assess conceptual models defined in OntoUML by transforming these models into specifications in the logic-based language Alloy. These Alloy specifications include the modal axioms of the theory underlying OntoUML, allowing us to validate the modal meta-properties representing ontological commitments of the OntoUML types and relations.

Keywords: formal definitions and theory, knowledge representation formalisms and methods, model validation and analysis

Categories: D.3.1, I.2.4, I.6.4