Approximate reasoning about software models

Abstract

This article introduces an approximating reasoning approach to evaluating models for system design relative to a system design standard. A fundamental problem in system design is that feature values extracted from experimental design models tend not to match exactly patterns associated with standard design models. It is not generally known how to measure the extent that a particular system design conforms to a standard design pattern. The rough set approach introduced by Zdzislaw Pawlak provides a basis for concluding to what degree a particular model for a system design is a part of a set of a set of models representing a standard. Sample models exhibiting selected behavioral design patterns are briefly considered by way of illustration of design model approximation. In this paper, an approximation space for design patterns is introduced. In addition, an approach to the satisfaction-based classification of design models is also presented.