Using KCPM for defining and integrating domain ontologies

Abstract

The paper discusses the representation and integration of domain ontologies using the Conceptual Predesign Model KCPM. This model initially was developed as a means to bridge, within the information system design cycle, the 'impedance mismatch' between natural language requirements specifications and abstract conceptual models (schemas) by an user centered interlingua: Requirements are represented in a formalized fashion by focusing the structural, functional and behavioral terminology of an application domain. Methods and tools have been developed so far, to derive KCPM schemas out of natural language specifications by natural language processing and interpretation techniques, and, to map these schemas, after validation, to any conceptual representation. We introduce the main KCPM modeling concepts and demonstrate, how these may be used to define domain ontologies. Based here-on, aspects of reuse, extension and integration are discussed. © Springer-Verlag 2004.