ISO 24156-1:2014
(Main)Graphic notations for concept modelling in terminology work and its relationship with UML — Part 1: Guidelines for using UML notation in terminology work
Graphic notations for concept modelling in terminology work and its relationship with UML — Part 1: Guidelines for using UML notation in terminology work
ISO 24156-1:2014 gives guidelines for using a subset of UML symbols independent of their normal UML meaning, to represent concepts in concept models that result from concept analysis. It describes how UML symbols can be used for that. A UML profile designed for this purpose is used to represent concepts and concept relations in terminology work. ISO 24156-1:2014 does not describe UML and its general use in depth. These matters are covered in ISO/IEC 19505‑1 and ISO/IEC 19505‑2. ISO 24156-1:2014 does not describe the principles and methods of terminology work. This is covered in ISO 704. ISO 24156-1:2014 does not define the fundamental concepts of terminology work. This is covered in ISO 1087‑1.
Notations graphiques pour la modélisation des concepts en terminologie et ses relations avec UML — Partie 1: Lignes directrices pour l'application de la notation UML dans le travail terminologique
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INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 24156-1
First edition
2014-10-01
Graphic notations for concept
modelling in terminology work and its
relationship with UML —
Part 1:
Guidelines for using UML notation in
terminology work
Notations graphiques pour la modélisation des concepts en
terminologie et ses relations avec UML —
Partie 1: Lignes directrices pour l’application de la notation UML dans
le travail terminologique
Reference number
ISO 24156-1:2014(E)
©
ISO 2014
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ISO 24156-1:2014(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2014
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
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Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved
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ISO 24156-1:2014(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Abbreviated terms . 3
5 Mapping UML symbols to terminological concepts . 3
5.1 General . 3
5.2 Concept . 3
5.3 Concept system . 3
5.4 Attributes (generalization) and characteristics (generic relation) . 4
5.5 Type of characteristics and criterion of subdivision . 5
5.6 Concept relations . 9
6 Common features of UML used to extend concept modelling .18
6.1 General .18
6.2 Multiplicity .18
6.3 Constraint .19
Annex A (informative) Table of correspondence between ISO 1087-1 concepts and their
adopted symbols in the ISO 24156-1 user-defined UML profile .21
Bibliography .24
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ISO 24156-1:2014(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity
assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the WTO principles in the Technical Barriers
to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: Foreword - Supplementary information
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 37, Terminology and other language and content
resources, Subcommittee SC 1, Principles and methods.
This first edition of ISO 24156-1 cancels and replaces ISO/TR 24156:2008, which has been technically revised.
ISO 24156 consists of the following parts, under the general title Graphic notations for concept modelling
in terminology work and its relationship with UML:
— Part 1: Guidelines for using UML notation in terminology work
iv © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved
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ISO 24156-1:2014(E)
Introduction
Terminology work combines elements from many theoretical approaches which concern the processing,
ordering, and presentation of knowledge. The basic method of terminology work is concept analysis,
which aims to achieve a comprehensive description and presentation of concepts in a subject field.
Traditionally, the results of concept analysis in terminology are presented in the form of one or more
concept diagrams and a set of terms with textual definitions.
In object-oriented programming, graphic techniques are used to describe entity types which are
characterized by certain properties and behaviour. The Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a widely
used formal language which can be used for all kinds of object modelling (information modelling, data
modelling, etc.).
This part of ISO 24156 describes the application of UML symbols by providing a user-defined UML profile
for presenting the results of concept analysis. This UML profile re-uses UML symbols independent of
their normal UML semantics to represent terminological concept diagrams in accordance with the
principles of ISO 1087-1 and ISO 704. The use of UML symbols is not meant to become a replacement
for traditional concept diagrams, but is intended to be an alternative and supplementary notation. This
part of ISO 24156 is meant to promote the use of concept analysis when developing concept diagrams
(including concept models), information models, and data models.
The core text describes in which way a user-defined UML profile represents concept diagrams. Annex A
contains a table of correspondence between concepts of ISO 1087-1 and suggested representations in UML.
ISO/IEC 19505-1 and ISO/IEC 19505-2 are referenced in this part of ISO 24156. In ISO/IEC 19505-1 and
ISO/IEC 19505-2, there is no “Terms and definitions” clause. Instead, every UML concept is described in
the normative text. When a reference to ISO/IEC 19505-2 is given in the “Terms and definitions” clause,
the definition given in this part of ISO 24156 is adapted from the descriptive text in ISO/IEC 19505-2.
Therefore, the definition is noted “Adapted from ISO/IEC 19505-2”.
© ISO 2014 – All rights reserved v
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 24156-1:2014(E)
Graphic notations for concept modelling in terminology
work and its relationship with UML —
Part 1:
Guidelines for using UML notation in terminology work
1 Scope
This part of ISO 24156 gives guidelines for using a subset of UML symbols independent of their normal
UML meaning, to represent concepts in concept models that result from concept analysis. It describes
how UML symbols can be used for that. A UML profile designed for this purpose is used to represent
concepts and concept relations in terminology work.
This part of ISO 24156 does not describe UML and its general use in depth. These matters are covered in
ISO/IEC 19505-1 and ISO/IEC 19505-2.
This part of ISO 24156 does not describe the principles and methods of terminology work. This is
covered in ISO 704.
This part of ISO 24156 does not define the fundamental concepts of terminology work. This is covered
in ISO 1087-1.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 704:2009, Terminology work — Principles and methods
ISO 1087-1:2000, Terminology work — Vocabulary — Part 1: Theory and application
ISO 10241-1, Terminological entries in standards — Part 1: General requirements and examples of presentation
ISO/IEC 19505-1:2012, Information technology — Object Management Group Unified Modeling Language
(OMG UML) — Part 1: Infrastructure
ISO/IEC 19505-2:2012, Information technology — Object Management Group Unified Modeling Language
(OMG UML) — Part 2: Superstructure
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 1087-1 and the following apply.
3.1
concept diagram
graphic representation of a concept system
[SOURCE: ISO 1087-1:2000, 3.2.12]
3.2
concept model
concept diagram (ISO 1087-1:2000, 3.2.12) formed by means of a formal language (3.6)
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ISO 24156-1:2014(E)
3.3
concept model view
image of a defined part of a concept model (3.2)
3.4
concept system
set of concepts structured according to the relations among them
[SOURCE: ISO 1087-1:2000, 3.2.11]
3.5
constraint
semantic restriction of model elements
Note 1 to entry: Adapted from ISO/IEC 19505-2:2012, 7.3.10.
Note 2 to entry: A constraint is used to restrict the possible options for a class or a relationship. In concept
modelling, constraints can be used to show how concepts/relationships interact and how they are delimited.
EXAMPLE In a generic relation, no more specific concepts than those depicted are possible [constraint {complete}].
3.6
formal language
language whose rules are explicitly established before its use
Note 1 to entry: A formal language is not meant to be spoken. Its purpose is to assure exact communication of
information, e.g. between computer systems and between man and computer.
EXAMPLE Web Ontology Language (OWL).
3.7
multiplicity
when used in class diagrams constraint (3.5) on the range of allowed instances of an object or an attribute
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 14776-151:2010, modified — By replacing “indication of” with “constraint on”, this
terminological entry is made consistent with the other terms and definitions in this part of ISO 24156.]
Note 1 to entry: In concept modelling, a multiplicity constraint specifies how many objects depicted by a certain
concept can be related to the objects depicted by another concept, i.e. in an associative or in a partitive relation.
EXAMPLE 1 A characteristic of a month is that it is a period of 28 to 31 days (28.31). Thus, the multiplicity of
day with respect to month is “28.31”.
EXAMPLE 2 A mouse (pointing device) can or cannot have a ball, depending on whether it is a mechanical
or optical mouse. Thus, it has zero balls or one ball (0.1). In that case, the multiplicity itself is a criterion of
subdivision, as a mechanical mouse has exactly one ball (1).
Note 2 to entry: Multiplicity applies to attributes as well.
3.8
notation
set of symbols, and the rules for their use, for the representation of data
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 2382-5:1999, 05.01.01]
3.9
symbol
graphic representation of a concept that has meaning in a specific context
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 2382-1:1993, 01.02.07]
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ISO 24156-1:2014(E)
4 Abbreviated terms
UML Unified Modeling Language
5 Mapping UML symbols to terminological concepts
5.1 General
This clause describes how concepts defined in ISO 1087-1 can be represented in concept modelling by
means of a limited set of UML symbols. Features which are not described in this clause are outside the
scope of this part of ISO 24156.
Each paragraph describes the principles according to which UML symbols can be used in concept
modelling. In this part of ISO 24156, UML symbols are only used as graphic representations, hence are
not used to equate UML semantics with ISO 1087-1 semantics.
Table A.1 visualizes ISO 1087-1 concepts and their corresponding UML symbols.
5.2 Concept
For the modelling of a concept, the UML class symbol (ISO/IEC 19505-2:2012, 7.3.7) can be adopted,
which is a solid-outline rectangle displaying the class name. The UML class name is centred in boldface
and with an initial uppercase character. (If the class name consists of more than one word, the words
are joined together and the initial character of every word is capitalized; for designations, please refer
to ISO 10241-1.) The designation (ISO 1087-1) of the concept in the user-defined UML profile is centred,
in boldface, and in lowercase, except for uppercase characters that constitute part of the normal spelling
of the term in a running text (ISO 10241-1). This applies both to individual concepts (ISO 1087-1) and to
general concepts (ISO 1087-1).
UML (ISO/IEC 19505-2:2012) ISO 1087-1 ISO 24156-1 user-deined UML
proile
concept
Class concept
designation
ClassName designation
Figure 1 — Class (class name) and concept (designation)
5.3 Concept system
A concept model (see 3.2) is meant to depict and represent a concept system (see 3.4). A graphic tool
can store the concept model in a formal language (see 3.6), making it possible to transform, using a
machine-readable format, the concept model to data modelling, information modelling, and software
development systems.
EXAMPLE Concept model for pointing devices (see Figure 2).
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ISO 24156-1:2014(E)
Figure 2 — Concept model that depicts generic relations for pointing devices
5.4 Attributes (generalization) and characteristics (generic relation)
For concept modelling using UML symbols, the UML class symbol is used (see Figure 1), which is a
rectangle. In it, the top compartment displays the class name (centred, in boldface, and capitalized),
and the middle one a list of attribute names (left justified, plain face, and lowercase) and attribute types
(left justified, plain face, and capitalized). The bottom compartment in the UML class symbol, used to
show class operations in ISO/IEC 19505-2:2012, is not used to represent ISO 1087-1 concepts, and is
therefore not shown in this International Standard. To convert the class symbol to an ISO-compatible
modelling template, a concept is modelled by a rectangle which has equally two compartments, with the
top one displaying the designation (in accordance with ISO 10241-1) and the bottom one displaying the
characteristics. The UML string attribute = value represents the characteristics.
Figure 3 — Attributes and characteristics in UML and in the ISO 24156-1 user-defined UML profile
An ellipsis indicates that there are elements which are not shown in the concept model (see Figure 4).
4 © ISO 2014 – All rights reserved
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ISO 24156-1:2014(E)
Figure 4 — Attributes and characteristics in UML and in the ISO 24156-1 user-defined UML profile
5.5 Type of characteristics and criterion of subdivision
A type of characteristics is defined as a category of characteristics which serves as the criterion of
subdivision when establishing concept systems. The criterion of subdivision is defined as a criterion
according to which a superordinate concept is divided into subordinate concepts. With UML notation,
a criterion of subdivision can be represented using two generalization set notations (ISO/IEC 19505-
2:2012, 7.3.20) (see Figures 5 and 6).
To visualize classes and their relationships in a class diagram, together with their criteria of subdivision,
UML uses two different notations that can be considered equivalent to the criterion of subdivision in ISO
terminology (ISO 1087-1; ISO 704). Either a common generalization arrowhead is used in combination
with the name of the relevant generalization set, or a dashed line is drawn across those lines with separate
arrowheads that belong to the same generalization set (ISO/IEC 19505-2:2012, 7.3.20). To represent the
above UML notation with an equivalent ISO notation (ISO 704:2009, 5.5.2.2.1), the criterion of subdivision
is displayed in full wording, either in combination with a common generalization arrowhead or with a
dashed line across separate generalization arrowheads (see Figures 5, 6 and 7).
The ISO notation adopts th
...
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/DIS 24156-1
ISO/TC 37/SC 1 Secretariat: SAC
Voting begins on Voting terminates on
2013-02-11 2013-05-11
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION • МЕЖДУНАРОДНАЯ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯ ПО СТАНДАРТИЗАЦИИ • ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE DE NORMALISATION
Graphic notations for concept modeling in terminology work
and its relationship with UML —
Part 1:
Guidelines for using UML and mind-mapping notation in
terminology work
Lignes directrices pour l'application de la notation UML dans le travail terminologique —
Partie 1: Directives pour l'application de la notation UML dans le travail terminologique
[Revision of first edition (ISO 24156:2008)]
ICS 01.020
To expedite distribution, this document is circulated as received from the committee
secretariat. ISO Central Secretariat work of editing and text composition will be undertaken at
publication stage.
Pour accélérer la distribution, le présent document est distribué tel qu'il est parvenu du
secrétariat du comité. Le travail de rédaction et de composition de texte sera effectué au
Secrétariat central de l'ISO au stade de publication.
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THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
© International Organization for Standardization, 2013
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ISO/DIS 24156-1
Copyright notice
This ISO document is a Draft International Standard and is copyright-protected by ISO. Except as permitted
under the applicable laws of the user’s country, neither this ISO draft nor any extract from it may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission being secured.
Requests for permission to reproduce should be addressed to either ISO at the address below or ISO’s
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Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail copyright@iso.org
Web www.iso.org
Reproduction may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement.
Violators may be prosecuted.
ii © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved
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ISO/DIS 24156-1
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction.v
1 Scope.1
2 Normative references.1
3 Terms and definitions .1
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms .2
5 Mapping of terminological items to UML.3
5.1 General .3
5.2 Concept .3
5.3 Concept system.3
5.4 Attributes (generalisation) and characteristics (generic relation) .4
5.5 Type of characteristics and criterion of subdivision.5
5.6 Concept relations .11
5.6.1 Associative relations.11
5.6.2 Generic relations .12
5.6.3 Partitive relations .15
6 Common features of UML used to extend concept modelling .17
6.1 General .17
6.2 Multiplicity.17
6.3 Constraint.18
Annex A (informative) Table of correspondence between concepts in ISO 1087-1 and their
representations in the Unified Modeling Language.21
Bibliography.27
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ISO/DIS 24156-1
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 24156-1 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 37, Terminology and other language and content
resources, Subcommittee SC 1, Principles and methods.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO TR 24156:2008), [clause(s) / subclause(s)
/table(s) / figure(s) / annex(es)] of which [has / have] been technically revised.
ISO 24156 consists of the following parts, under the general title Graphic notations for concept modelling in
terminology work:
Part 1: Guidelines for using UML notation in terminology work
Part [2]: ISO/NP TR 24156-2, Graphic notations for concept modeling in terminology work -- Part 2:
Guidelines for transforming the content of terminology management systems into UML information
models.
iv © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved
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ISO/DIS 24156-1
Introduction
Terminology work combines elements from many theoretical approaches which concern processing, ordering,
and presentation of knowledge. The basic method of terminology work is concept analysis, which aims to
achieve a comprehensive description and presentation of concepts in a subject field. Traditionally the results
of concept analysis in terminology are presented in the form of one or more concept diagrams and a set of
terms with textual definitions.
In object-oriented programming, graphic techniques are used to describe entity types which are characterised
by certain properties and behaviour. The Unified Modeling Language (UML) is a widely spread language
which can be used for all kinds of object modelling (information modelling, data modelling, etc.).
This International Standard describes the application of UML symbols by creating a user-defined UML profile
for presenting the results of concept analysis. This UML profile re-uses UML symbols to represent the
terminological principles of ISO 1087-1 and ISO 704. This is not meant to become a replacement for
traditional concept diagrams, but should be considered as an alternative and supplementary notation. This
International Standard is meant to promote the use of concept analysis when developing concept diagrams or
concept models, information models and data models.
The core text describes the recommendations for use of UML. Annex A contains a table of correspondence
between concepts of ISO 1087-1 and suggested representation in UML.
ISO/IEC 19501 is referenced in this International Standard. In ISO/IEC 19501 there is no "Terms and
definitions” clause. Instead, every UML concept is described in the normative text and in a glossary. When a
reference to ISO/IEC 19501 is given in the “Terms and definitions” clause, the definition given in this
International Standard is adapted from the descriptive text in ISO/IEC 19501. Therefore, the definition is noted
“Adapted from ISO/IEC 19501”.
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DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/DIS 24156-1
Graphic notations for concept modelling in terminology work —
Part 1: Guidelines for using UML notation in terminology work
1 Scope
This International Standard gives guidelines for using a subset of UML, to represent the results of concept
analysis. It describes how object modelling techniques can be used for this purpose. A UML profile designed
for this purpose is used to represent concepts and concept relations in terminology work.
This International Standard does not describe UML and its general use in depth. These matters are covered in
e.g. ISO/IEC 19501.
This International Standard does not describe the principles and methods of terminology work. This is covered
in ISO 704.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 704, Terminology work – Principles and methods
ISO 690 (all parts), Information and documentation — Bibliographic references
ISO 1087-1, Terminology Work – Vocabulary - Part 1: Theory and Application
ISO 10241-1, Terminological entries in standards -- Part 1: General requirements and examples of
presentation
ISO/IEC 19501, Information technology — Open Distributed Processing — Unified Modeling Language (UML)
Version 1.4.2
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 1087-1 and the following apply.
3.1
concept model
concept diagram (ISO 1087-1:2000, 3.2.12) formed by means of a formal language (3.5)
3.2
concept model view
image of a defined part of a concept model (3.1)
3.3
concept system
set of concepts structured according to the relations among them
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ISO/DIS 24156-1
[SOURCE: ISO 1087-1:2000, 3.2.11]
3.4
constraint
semantic restriction of model elements
NOTE 1 to entry Adapted from ISO/IEC 19501
NOTE 2 to entry A constraint is used to restrict the possible options for a class or a relationship. In concept modelling,
constraints can be used to show how relationships interact and how they are delimited.
EXAMPLE 1 There are two associative relations from a concept, but if one of them is present the other one is
impossible [constraint {either}].
EXAMPLE 2 In a generic relation, no more specific concepts than those stated are possible [constraint {complete}].
3.5
formal language
language of which the rules are explicitly established before its use
NOTE 1 to entry A formal language is not meant to be spoken. Its purpose is to assure exact communication of
information, e.g. between computer systems, and between man and computer.
EXAMPLE OWL.
3.6
multiplicity
constraint (3.4) which defines the number of occurrences that is allowed for the model element concerned
NOTE 1 to entry In concept modelling, multiplicity specifies how many objects depicted by a certain concept may have
an associative relation with or form a part/whole of how many objects depicted by another concept.
EXAMPLE 1 A characteristic of a month is that it is a period of 28-31 days (28.31).
EXAMPLE 2 A mouse (pointing device) may or may not have a ball, depending on whether it is a mechanical or optical
mouse. It has zero balls or one ball (0.1). In that case the multiplicity itself is a criterion of subdivision, as a mechanical
mouse has exactly one ball (1).
NOTE 2 to entry Multiplicity applies to attributes as well, and specifies whether an attribute is obligatory or optional.
3.7
notation
a set of symbols, and the rules for their use, for the representation of data
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 2382-5:1999, 05.01.01]
3.8
symbol
graphic representation of a concept that has meaning in a specific context
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 2382-1:1993, 01.02.07]
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms
UML Unified Modeling Language
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ISO/DIS 24156-1
5 Mapping of terminological items to UML
5.1 General
This clause describes how concepts defined in ISO 1087-1 can be represented in concept modelling by
means of a limited set of UML symbols. Features which are not described in this clause are outside the scope
of this International Standard.
Each paragraph describes the principles according to which UML symbols can be used in concept modelling.
In ISO 24156-1, UML symbols are only used as graphic representations, hence do not serve as equivalents
between UML and ISO 1087-1 semantics.
Table A (Annex A) visualises ISO 1087-1 concepts and their corresponding UML symbols.
5.2 Concept
For the modelling of a concept, the UML class symbol (ISO/IEC 19501) can be adopted, which is a solid-
outline rectangle displaying the class name. The UML class name is centered in boldface and with an initial
1
uppercase character . The designation (ISO 1087-1) of the concept in the user-defined UML profile is
centered in boldface and lowercase, except for uppercase characters that constitute part of the normal
spelling of the term in a running text (ISO 10241-1). This applies for individual concepts (ISO 1087-1) as well
as for general concepts (ISO 1087-1).
UML (ISO/IEC 19501) ISO 1087-1 ISO 24156-1 user-defined UML
profile
concept
Class concept
designation
ClassName designation
Figure 1 — Class (Class name) & concept (designation)
5.3 Concept system
A concept model (see 3.1) is meant to depict and represent a concept system (see 3.3). A graphic tool may
store the concept model in a formal language (see 3.5), making it possible to communicate, in a machine-
readable format, the model with data modelling, information modelling and software development systems.
EXAMPLE Concept model for pointing devices”. (see Figure 2).
1
If the class name has more than one word name, the words are joined together and the initial character of every word is
capitalized; for the designations, please refer to ISO 10241-1.
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ISO/DIS 24156-1
Figure 2 — Concept model for pointing devices that depicts generic relations
5.4 Attributes (generalisation) and characteristics (generic relation)
For concept modelling in UML, the UML class symbol is used (see Figure 1), which is a rectangle, in which the
top compartment displays the class name (centered in boldface and capitalized), and the middle one a list of
attribute names (left justified, plain face and lowercase), and attribute types (left justified, plain face and
capitalized). A third compartment may show a list of operations. To convert the class symbol to an ISO
compatible modelling template, a concept is modelled by a rectangle which has equally three compartments,
with the top one displaying the designation (in accordance with ISO 10241-1), and the middle one displaying
the necessary and delimiting characteristics. The UML string attribute: Type of attribute = value is converted
into a necessary characteristic: Type of characteristics = value of type of characteristics string, and represents
the delimiting characteristics. A third compartment may list an ISO equivalent of the UML operations.
concept
necessary characteristic: Type of characteristics = value of type
of characteristics
necessary characteristic: Type of characteristics
operation
operation
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ISO/DIS 24156-1
concept
necessary characteristic: Type of characteristics
necessary characteristic : Type of characteristics = value of type
of characteristics
operation
operation
Figure 3 — Attributes and characteristics in UML & ISO 24156-1 user-defined UML profile
An ellipsis (.) may indicate that there are attributes/operations which are not shown in the concept model
(see Figure 4).
concept
necessary characteristic : Type of characteristics = value of
type of characteristics
Class
necessary characteristic: Type of characteristics
+ attribute : Type of attribute = value .
+ attribute : Type of attribute
operation
+ .
operation
...
+ operation ()
+ operation ()
+ . ()
Figure 4 — Attributes and characteristics in UML & ISO 24156-1 user-defined UML profile (ellipsis)
5.5 Type of characteristics and criterion of subdivision
A type of characteristics is defined as a category of characteristics which serves as the criterion of subdivision
when establishing concept systems. The criterion of subdivision is defined as a criterion according to which a
superordinate concept is divided into subordinate concepts. In UML, a criterion of subdivision may be
modelled either as a class symbol following certain rules (powertype class (ISO 19501)), or as an attribute in
the class representing the generic concept followed by its attribute type and value representing the delimiting
characteristics of the specific concept (see Figures 3 & 4).
a) To visualise classes and their relationships in a class diagram, together with their criteria of subdivision,
UML displays in a rectangle a metaclass which is adorned with a <> label. The name of the
powertype is placed in the upper compartment, in the case the powertype metaclass has also the
attributes compartment (ISO/IEC 19501 2005:223). This metaclass can be considered as equivalent to
the criterion of subdivision in ISO terminology (ISO 1087-1; ISO 704). According to Audibert (2007:56), a
powertype rectangle refers to an association class which labels a criterion of subdivision. This criterion of
subdivision links subclasses to a superclass by means of a dashed horizontal line, attached to the
generalisation symbol. Such a powertype class does not necessarily explicit attributes or attribute types of
classes. To represent the above UML notation with equivalent ISO notation (ISO 704, p. 8), the type of
characteristics is displayed in full wording under which appears the name of the criterion (see Figure 5).
The ISO notation adopts the UML notation in the following mode: a "<> concept”
houses in its rectangle the criterion of subdivision, which is linked by a horizontal dashed line to the
generic relation arrow. This arrow in turn links the generic concept to its specific concepts by the UML
generalisation symbol. However, by doing so, the UML class-like concept compartments (adopted to
graphically represent a concept), which serve to display the characteristics, are not present (see Figure 5).
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ISO/DIS 24156-1
Figure 5 — Criterion of subdivision: ISO 704 > ISO 24156-1 user-defined UML profile
b) In an alternative representation, the types of characteristics (criteria of subdivision) refer to the necessary
characteristics of the generic concept. In this way, the types of characteristics in Figure 9, "fishing gear"
and "fish species", are represented as necessary characteristics in a modelling notation that is compatible
with ISO 704 (see Figures 6-9).
This model allows us to pinpoint where the necessary and delimit
...
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