Constraint based Modeling according to Reference Design

TL;DR

The paper addresses the lack of formal, machine-interpretable reference models by proposing a constrained-based design workflow that leverages RDF-based reference ontologies and SPARQL-driven validation. It introduces the Reference Modeling Assistant (RMA) to construct solution models from RM building blocks and verify conformity, enabling multi-RM reuse and cross-language interoperability. The approach combines an RDF RM ontology, a lightweight metamodel, and a constraint grammar to formalize requirements and support automated verification. A vehicle configuration scenario and a C#-based RMA prototype demonstrate feasibility, practical utility for quality assurance, and potential for integration into diverse modeling landscapes and tool chains.

Abstract

Reference models in form of best practices are an essential element to ensured knowledge as design for reuse. Popular modeling approaches do not offer mechanisms to embed reference models in a supporting way, let alone a repository of it. Therefore, it is hardly possible to profit from this expertise. The problem is that the reference models are not described formally enough to be helpful in developing solutions. Consequently, the challenge is about the process, how a user can be supported in designing dedicated solutions assisted by reference models. In this paper, we present a generic approach for the formal description of reference models using semantic technologies and their application. Our modeling assistant allows the construction of solution models using different techniques based on reference building blocks. This environment enables the subsequent verification of the developed designs against the reference models for conformity. Therefore, our reference modeling assistant highlights the interdependency. The application of these techniques contributes to the formalization of requirements and finally to quality assurance in context of maturity model. It is possible to use multiple reference models in context of system of system designs. The approach is evaluated in industrial area and it can be integrated into different modeling landscapes.

Figures (7)

• Figure 1: Example reference model for car configuration
• Figure 2: Concept Overview
• Figure 3: Metamodel for Reference Model Definition
• Figure 4: Generated taxonomy for the car reference model
• Figure 5: Solution model (a) and ontology (b) for the car example