Transforming OntoUML into Alloy: towards conceptual model validation using a lightweight formal method

Abstract

While conceptual modeling is strongly related to the final quality of the software product, conceptual modeling itself remains a challenging activity. In particular, modelers must ensure that conceptual models properly formalize their intended conceptualization of a domain. This paper proposes an approach to facilitate the validation process of conceptual models defined in OntoUML by transforming these models into specifications in the logic-based language Alloy and using its analyzer to generate instances of the model and assertion counter-examples. By allowing the observation of sequences of snapshots of model instances, the dynamics of object creation, classification, association and destruction are revealed. This confronts the modeler with the implications of modeling choices and allows them to uncover mistakes or gain confidence in the quality of conceptual models.

From UML and OCL to Relational Logic and Back

“…First, this operation creates a binary relation via comprehension which relates each element of the source collection to the evaluation result of the respective body expression. For instance, the OCL expression Set{1,2,3}->collect(i|i*i) would yield the intermediate relation [ [1,1], [2,4], [3,9]]. The transformation respects the fact that the result of collect must be flattened.…”

“…If the body expression, results in a set of values, each element of the source collection is related to each element of this set via an individual tuple, i. e., the result is automatically flattened. After that, the first tuple position is cut off to obtain the desired evaluation result, e. g., with respect to the current example [ [1], [4], [9]]:…”

“…A backward transformation from original Alloy specifications into UML and OCL models is presented in [8]. The authors in [4] translate conceptual models described in OntoUML for validation purposes into Alloy.…”

Integrated Approach to Conceptual Modeling

“…The conceptual model is the model of the information system represented in a simple way in order to be understood by all participants in the project team and to be developed faster in fulfilling the requirements during the knowledge acquisition [1]. Conceptual model plays crucial role in the success of the information system [2], [3], [4]. After proven that the success of conceptual model affects the success of the information system, is asked the research question, what is needed to improve the conceptual modeling?…”

Uma linguagem para formalização de discursos com base em ontologias

“…No âmbito da Arquitetura da Informação, um estudo sobre o tema arquitetura de serviços é realizado por Rios Filho (2014). Java, um editor para OntoUML que permite uma série de verificações adicionais sobre os modelos construídos com a linguagem, como a definição de restrições sobre modelos definidas com Object Constraint Language (OCL) (ISO/IEC, 2012b), a identificação de padrões e anti-padrões (GUIZZARDI, 2009;SALES;GUIZZARDI, 2012) e a integração com Alloy (GUERSON; ALMEIDA; BRAGA et al, 2010). O editor é chamado de…”