Taxonomies and derivation rules in conceptual modeling

Abstract

This paper analyzes the relationships between taxonomic constraints and derivation rules. The objectives are to see which taxonomic constraints are entailed by derivation rules and to analyze how taxonomic constraints can be satisfied in presence of derived types. We classify derived entity types into several classes. The classification reveals the taxonomic constraints entailed in each case. These constraints must be base constraints (defined in the taxonomy) or be derivable from them. We show how the base taxonomic constraints can be satisfied, either by the derivation rules (or the whole schema), or by enforcement. Our results are general and could be incorporated into many conceptual modeling environments and tools. The expected benefits are an improvement in the verification of the consistency between taxonomic constraints and derivation rules, and a guide for the determination of the taxonomic constraints that must be enforced in the final system.