Mapping Visual To Textual Knowledge Representation

Knowledge-Based Systems 18 (2005) 367–378
www.elsevier.com/locate/knosys

Mapping visual to textual knowledge representation
Catholijn M. Jonkera, Rob Kremerb, Pim van Leeuwena, Dong Panb, Jan Treura,*
a

Department of Artificial Intelligence, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081a, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Software Engineering Research Network, University of Calgary,2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4

b

Received 5 March 2002; accepted 31 May 2005
Available online 11 July 2005

Abstract
In this paper, graphical representations for knowledge structures in the design method DESIRE for component-based design of knowledge
and multi-agent systems are presented, together with a graphical editor based on the Constraint Graphenvironment. Moreover, a translator is
described which translates these graphical representations to textual representations in DESIRE. The strength of the combined environment
is a powerful—yet easy-to-use—framework to support the development of knowledge-based and multi-agent systems. Finally, a mapping is
presented from DESIRE to Conceptual Graphs. This provides a unifying perspective on theknowledge representation format of DESIRE and
allows the use of conceptual graph tools to specify and maintain the knowledge representation part of a DESIRE specification.
q 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction
Most languages for knowledge acquisition, elicitation,
and reasoning result in specifications in pure text format.
Textual representation is easier for a computer programto
process. However, textual representation is not an easily
understandable form, especially for those domain experts
who are not familiar with computer programming. Visual
representation of knowledge relies on graphics rather than
text. Visual representations are more understandable and
transparent than textual representations [9].
DESIRE (DEsign and Specification of Interacting
REasoningcomponents) is a design method used for
component-based design of knowledge and multi-agent
systems (see [4] for the underlying principles and [3] for a
case study). DESIRE supports designers during the entire
design process: from knowledge acquisition to automated
prototype generation. DESIRE uses composition of
processes and of knowledge to enhance transparency of
the system and theknowledge used therein.
* Corresponding author. Tel.: C20 598 7763; fax: C20 598 7653.
E-mail addresses: jonker@nici.ru.nl (C.M. Jonker), kremer@cpsc.
ucalgary.ca (R. Kremer), pand@cpsc.ucalgary.ca (D. Pan), treur@few.vu.
nl (J. Treur).
URLs: http://www.nici.ru.nl/~catholj (C.M. Jonker), http://www.cs.vu.
nl/~treur

0950-7051/$ - see front matter q 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.doi:10.1016/j.knosys.2005.05.003

Originally, a textual knowledge representation language
was used in DESIRE that is based on order sorted predicate
logic and some extensions. In particular constructs were
introduced for the following:
† Structuring in (hierarchical) components of information
structure specifications and of knowledge specifications
† Explicit naming of information structurespecification
components and knowledge base specification components
† Complex object structures as terms, based on functions.
† The use of meta-descriptions of information structures
within (other) information structure specifications and
knowledge specifications
† The use of logical relationships (if-then implications) in
knowledge specification
Subsequently, a graphical representation method forknowledge structures has been developed, inspired by a
number of known graphical formalisms such as semantic
networks, terminological formalisms and the conceptual
graph formalism [2,7,10,11,12,14]. Finally, starting with
[8], the relationship of the graphical representations to
conceptual graph formalism [10,11,12,14] was investigated
in more depth. One of the outcomes of the current...