On the Use of Object-Role Modeling for Modeling Active Domains

Abstract

This chapter is about how the object-role modeling (ORM) language and approach can be used for the integration, at a deep and formal level, of various domain modeling representations and viewpoints, with a focus on the modeling of active domains. The authors argue that ORM is particularly suited for enabling such integration because of its generic conceptual nature; its useful, existing connection with natural language and controlled languages; and its formal rigor. They propose the logbook paradigm as an effective perspective in active domains modeling and for the derivation of domain grammars. They show how standard ORM can be extended to an object-role calculus (ORC), including temporal concepts and constraints that enable the modeling of active domains. A suggestion for graphical representation is also provided. The authors hope to contribute to the integration of domain models and viewpoints in an academic and educational context rather than proposing ORM and ORC as new modeling tools in an industrial setting.