NL to OCL Conversion using SBVR

OCL is basically used to express constraint used in UML Diagrams in defined criteria or syntax. But the syntax is very complex, so it is hectic to implement or when creating OCL statements manually results mainly in inaccuracy. Our approach aims at simplifying process of generation of OCL statem

Project Title

Project Area of Specialization

Software Engineering

Project Summary

Project Objectives

Object Constraint Language (OCL) is a declarative language which holds a key part in UML Diagrams. OCL is basically used to express constraint used in UML Diagrams in defined criteria or syntax. The syntax is very complex, so its implementation is very hectic or when creating OCL statements manually results mainly in inaccuracy. To resolve this, a framework should be designed which translates or converts Natural Language to OCL using SBVR.

The framework by which constraints used in UML Diagram in English can be converted in OCL syntax with using the rules defined in SBVR. In NL to OCL transformation, SBVR not only ease the semantic analysis but also provides equivalent OCL statements.

The NL to OCL conversion using SBVR project will meet the following objectives:

To translate Natural Language statements in OCL statements.
Improve and increase the usability of OCL.
Eliminate the manual practice to generate OCL statements and reduce complexity through framework.
To provide an interface to user which assist to create OCL statements in shorter time.

Project Implementation Method

OCL is used for expressing constraints in UML standards. It is also used in specifying constraints and improving accuracy of specification. But still is less adopted and is unfamiliar due to its complexity. To address this problem, a method involving Natural Language expressions is set. Basically, to design a framework which converts Natural Language statements in equivalent OCL statements using SBVR.

This approach mainly aims towards the simplification of process of generation of OCL and allowing user to take advantage with it. This idea aims to improve the usability of OCL.

The ‘NL to OCL Conversion using SBVR’ comprises of two modules, first is ‘NL to SBVR’ in which natural language is converted into SBVR notation using SBVR Rules and Vocabulary, so that NL to SBVR transformation is completed. The second module is ‘SBVR to OCL transformation’ in which we get the logical form of English text by SBVR, to transform it into OCL syntax. This will provide us the OCL statements in required syntax.

Benefits of the Project

To translate Natural Language statements in OCL statements.
Improve and increase the usability of OCL.
Eliminate the manual practice to generate OCL statements and reduce complexity through framework.
To provide an interface to user which assist to create OCL statements in shorter time.