Formal Definition and Modeling Language of Association-Oriented Database Metamodel (AssoBase)

Abstract

The paper provides a concise discussion of the most important theoretical aspects of the Association-Oriented Database (AODB) Metamodel. Even though the model has been practically verified, the author has focused on its formal aspects and modeling language. The AODB Metamodel has been developed for the purposes of building the knowledge representation systems. Basically, such systems are structurally and functionally complex, hence they require advanced solutions to be applied for the purpose of data modeling. The modeling language enables designing database structures in the AODB Metamodel, taking into account various features of this database metamodel. The language in question is fully integrated and compatible with AODB Metamodel. It has been developed for the purposes of this metamodel, it operates with categories specific to it and, as such, it constitutes neither a version nor an extension of any of the existing languages. The second part of the paper provides the definition and discussion concerning the graphical modeling language — Association-Oriented Modeling Language (AML). The last section of the paper introduces the case-study that presents the key features of the metamodel, as well as the use of modeling language. The topics of presented examples comprise a simplified model of degree programs for universities and the model of Ontological Core, the main module of Semantic Knowledge Base (SKB).