A hybrid knowledge representation as a basis of requirement specification and reasoning

Abstract

A hybrid knowledge representation technique is presented which is used as a basis of a requirement specification language FRORL, (frame-and-rule oriented requirements specification language). To easily represent the structure and behavior of a software system, the syntax of FRORL is based on the concepts of frames and production rules. The semantic interpretation of the FRORL language is defined using Horn-clause logic augmented with the concept of multiple inheritance. The completeness and soundness of the hybrid knowledge representation technique are proved. Based on the full machinery of Horn-clause logic, the FRORL specification modeling the world can be checked against the known constraints of a given domain, and the known facts pertaining to the software system.<>