Y. Lin, S. Hakkarainen, and D. Strasunskas (Norway)
Conceptual modeling, ontology, meta-model, reference model, domain knowledge
The computational aspect in the software world is separated from the process of "real world" conceptual modeling in practical domain analysis. A two-world modeling framework is proposed in this paper in order to reflect on the dual nature of the development products and processes. The benefit of the framework is threefold. First, it supports consistency maintenance between the real world and its perception, i.e. the conceptual models. Second, it enables the software world products to be generated (semi-)automatically from the conceptual modeling product. Third, it supports the evolution in the separate worlds, still keeping the products adequate to the real world. A meta-model linking the fragment in the real world and the components implemented in the software world is used in as a starting point. The framework consists of three levels of representation: ontology, reference and application level. A common ontology is used in order to disclose the underlying knowledge in models and components. Those relationships define the basic design rules and constraints used in modeling. Domain experts build the reference model that outlines a standard model for a specific domain using the meta-model. The standard model is modified to fit into some specific systems, where users follow their own specific methods, rules, goals and requirements. Finally, the application engineer composes final product by exploiting associations between the reference model and the corresponding software components.
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