Mining Frequent Structures in Conceptual Models

The challenge of using structured methods to represent knowledge is a well-documented issue in conceptual modeling and has been the focus of extensive research. It is widely recognized that adopting modeling patterns offers an effective structural approach for designing conceptual models. Patterns, in this context, refer to generalizable, recurring structures that provide solutions to common design problems. They significantly enhance both the understanding and improvement of the modeling process. Numerous experimental studies have demonstrated the undeniable value of using patterns in conceptual modeling. Despite this, the task of identifying patterns in conceptual models remains highly complex, and there is currently no systematic method for pattern discovery. To address this gap, this paper proposes a general approach for discovering frequent structures in conceptual modeling languages as a means to support pattern identification. Specifically, we focus on uncovering recurring structures that reflect the usage patterns of a given conceptual modeling language. As proof of concept, we implement our approach by focusing on two widely used conceptual modeling languages. This implementation includes an exploratory tool that integrates a frequent subgraph mining algorithm with graph manipulation techniques, such as graph visualization, graph clustering, and graph transformation. The tool processes multiple conceptual models and identifies recurrent structures based on various criteria. We validate the tool using two state-of-the-art curated datasets: one consisting of models encoded in OntoUML and the other in ArchiMate. The primary objective of our approach is to provide a support tool for language engineers. This tool can be used to identify both effective and ineffective modeling practices, enabling the refinement and evolution of conceptual modeling languages. Furthermore, it facilitates the reuse of accumulated expertise, ultimately supporting the creation of higher-quality models in a given language.