[Paper Review] Extensions of Generic DOL for Generic Ontology Design Patterns

Mihai Codescu, Bernd Krieg-Brückner+1 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Jun 14, 2019

Semantic Web and Ontologies8 references4 citations

TL;DR

This paper extends Generic DOL (GDOL) with advanced language constructs—sequential and optional parameters, list parameters with recursion, and local sub-patterns—to enhance expressivity and reusability of Generic Ontology Design Patterns (GODPs). The key contribution is a formal framework enabling modular, parameterized ontology authoring, demonstrated through complex patterns like nested qualitatively graded relations and generic value sets, with full tool support via Hets.

ABSTRACT

Generic ontologies were introduced as an extension (Generic DOL) of the Distributed Ontology, Modeling and Specification Language, DOL, with the aim to provide a language for Generic Ontology Design Patterns. In this paper we present a number of new language constructs that increase the expressivity and the generality of Generic DOL, among them sequential and optional parameters, list parameters with recursion, and local sub-patterns. These are illustrated with non-trivial patterns: generic value sets and (nested) qualitatively graded relations, demonstrated as definitional building blocks in an application domain.

Motivation & Objective

• To address limitations in prior Generic DOL by enabling more expressive and reusable ontology design patterns.
• To support complex, hierarchical pattern definitions such as nested graded relations and recursive value sets.
• To improve modularity and reusability of ontology design patterns through advanced parameterization and scoping mechanisms.
• To provide a formal, extensible language foundation for GODPs that supports semantic interoperability and tooling integration.
• To enable intuitive, GUI-based usage of GODPs by exposing only relevant parameters while hiding internal structure.

Proposed method

• Introduces sequential and optional parameters to reduce boilerplate in pattern instantiation.
• Adds list parameters with recursive pattern matching, enabling template-based definition selection based on argument structure.
• Supports local sub-patterns within a pattern body to encapsulate reusable components and improve modularity.
• Employs a compact notation for argument mapping, reducing the need for explicit symbol mappings in instantiations.
• Uses Hets as a backend to validate and execute pattern instantiations, with semantic links showing theory interpretations.
• Applies the 'Same Name – Same Thing' principle to ensure unique entity resolution across multiple instantiations.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 How can Generic DOL be extended to support recursive and structured parameterization for more expressive ontology design patterns?
• RQ2 What language constructs are necessary to support modular, hierarchical pattern definitions such as nested graded relations?
• RQ3 How can parameter instantiation be made more intuitive and less error-prone through improved syntax and scoping?
• RQ4 In what ways can list parameters with pattern matching improve the reusability and maintainability of GODPs?
• RQ5 How can tool support (e.g., Hets) be enhanced to reflect the semantic relationships between generic patterns and their instantiations?

Key findings

• The extension of Generic DOL with list parameters and recursion enables the definition of complex, reusable patterns such as graded relations with subsumption hierarchies.
• Template matching on list parameters allows case distinctions in pattern bodies based on argument structure, improving modularity and expressivity.
• The use of local sub-patterns enhances code organization and promotes reuse within a single pattern definition.
• Hets now supports the new language constructs, enabling validation and visualization of pattern instantiations with semantic links.
• The approach ensures full compatibility with OWL standards after stratification, enabling integration with existing ontology tools.
• The framework supports a clear separation between parameters, imports, and body, enhancing modularity and maintainability of GODPs.