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Alexander Felfernig - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Recommender Systems for Configuration Knowledge Engineering
    arXiv: Information Retrieval, 2021
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Stefan Reiterer, Martin Stettinger, Florian Reinfrank, Michael Jeran, Gerald Ninaus
    Abstract:

    The Knowledge engineering bottleneck is still a major challenge in configurator projects. In this paper we show how recommender systems can support Knowledge base development and maintenance processes. We discuss a couple of scenarios for the application of recommender systems in Knowledge engineering and report the results of empirical studies which show the importance of user-centered Configuration Knowledge organization.

  • intelligent techniques for Configuration Knowledge evolution
    Variability Modelling of Software-Intensive Systems, 2015
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Stefan Reiterer, Martin Stettinger, Juha Tiihonen
    Abstract:

    Automated testing and debugging of Knowledge bases (such as Configuration Knowledge bases and feature models) is an important contribution to manage Knowledge evolution efficiently. However, existing approaches rely on the assumption of consistent test suites which are always kept up-to-date within the scope of different Knowledge base maintenance cycles. In this paper we introduce diagnosis techniques that actively guide stakeholders (Knowledge engineers and domain experts) in the process of testing and debugging Knowledge bases. These techniques take into account faulty test cases and constraints and recommend diagnoses which are the source of a given inconsistency.

  • towards understanding cognitive aspects of Configuration Knowledge formalization
    Variability Modelling of Software-Intensive Systems, 2015
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Stefan Reiterer, Martin Stettinger, Juha Tiihonen
    Abstract:

    Knowledge about formal (semantic) interpretations of natural language domain descriptions is crucial for avoiding communication overheads between domain experts and Knowledge engineers. In this paper we report preliminary results of an empirical study in which we investigated in which way natural language statements are formalized by Knowledge engineers. We summarize the findings of our study and discuss aspects to be taken into account in order to avoid additional (often not needed) iterations in Configuration Knowledge engineering processes. This work is exploratory and intended to figure out open issues for future work.

  • Knowledge based Configuration from research to business cases
    2014
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Lothar Hotz, Claire M Bagley, Juha Tiihonen
    Abstract:

    Knowledge-based Configuration incorporates Knowledge representation formalisms to capture complex product models and reasoning methods to provide intelligent interactive behavior with the user. This book represents the first time that corporate and academic worlds collaborate integrating research and commercial benefits of Knowledge-based Configuration. Foundational interdisciplinary material is provided for composing models from increasingly complex products and services. Case studies, the latest research, and graphical Knowledge representations that increase understanding of Knowledge-based Configuration provide a toolkit to continue to push the boundaries of what configurators can do and how they enable companies and customers to thrive.Includes detailed discussion of state-of-the art Configuration Knowledge engineering approaches such as automated testing and debugging, redundancy detection, and conflict management Provides an overview of the application of Knowledge-based Configuration technologies in the form of real-world case studies from SAP, Siemens, Kapsch, and more Explores the commercial benefits of Knowledge-based Configuration technologies to business sectors from services to industrial equipment Uses concepts that are based on an example personal computer Configuration Knowledge base that is represented in an UML-based graphical language

  • redundancy detection in Configuration Knowledge
    Knowledge-Based Configuration#R##N#From Research to Business Cases, 2014
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Florian Reinfrank, Gerald Ninaus, Paul Blazek
    Abstract:

    Abstract Configuration systems exploit a Knowledge base for determining solutions of interest for the user. The development and maintenance of such Knowledge bases is a time-consuming and error-prone task. For example, redundant constraints are specified that often increase both the effort for calculating a solution and efforts related to Knowledge base development and maintenance. In this chapter we present two alternative algorithms that can be exploited for the determination of minimal cores (minimal nonredundant constraint sets). The first algorithm (S equential ) is the better choice for centralized scenarios where the degree of redundancy is low. The second one (C ore D iag ) is especially useful for distributed Knowledge engineering scenarios where the degree of redundancy can become high.

Markus Stumptner - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Configuration Knowledge representation and reasoning
    Knowledge-Based Configuration#R##N#From Research to Business Cases, 2014
    Co-Authors: Lothar Hotz, Alexander Felfernig, Markus Stumptner, Claire M Bagley, Anna Ryabokon, Katharina Wolter
    Abstract:

    Configuration models specify the set of possible Configurations (solutions). A Configuration model together with a defined set of (customer) requirements are the major elements of a Configuration task (problem). In this chapter, we discuss different Knowledge representations that can be used for the definition of a Configuration model. We provide examples that help to further develop the understanding of the underlying concepts and include a UML-based personal computer (PC) Configuration model that is used as a reference example throughout this book.

  • Consistency-based diagnosis of Configuration Knowledge bases
    Artificial Intelligence, 2004
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Dietmar Jannach, Gerhard Friedrich, Markus Stumptner
    Abstract:

    Configuration problems are a thriving application area for declarative Knowledge representation that currently experiences a constant increase in size and complexity of Knowledge bases. Automated support of the debugging process of such Knowledge bases is a necessary prerequisite for effective development of configurators. We show that this task can be achieved by consistency-based diagnosis techniques. Based on the formal definition of consistency-based Configuration we develop a framework suitable for diagnosing Configuration Knowledge bases. During the test phase of configurators, valid and invalid examples are used to test the correctness of the system. In case such examples lead to unintended results, debugging of the Knowledge base is initiated. Starting from a clear definition of diagnosis in the Configuration domain we develop an algorithm based on conflicts. Our framework is general enough for its adaptation to diagnosing customer requirements to identify unachievable conditions during Configuration sessions.A prototype implementation using commercial constraint-based configurator libraries shows the feasibility of diagnosis within the tight time bounds of interactive debugging sessions. Finally, we discuss the usefulness of the outcomes of the diagnostic process in different scenarios.

  • Configuration Knowledge representations for semantic web applications
    Ai Edam Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Design Analysis and Manufacturing, 2003
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Dietmar Jannach, Gerhard Friedrich, Markus Stumptner, Markus Zanker
    Abstract:

    Today's economy exhibits a growing trend toward highly specialized solution providers cooperatively offering configurable products and services to their customers. This paradigm shift requires the extension of current standalone Configuration technology with capabilities of Knowledge sharing and distributed problem solving. In this context a standardized Configuration Knowledge representation language with formal semantics is needed in order to support Knowledge interchange between different Configuration environments. Languages such as Ontology Inference Layer (OIL) and DARPA Agent Markup Language (DAML+OIL) are based on such formal semantics (description logic) and are very popular for Knowledge representation in the Semantic Web. In this paper we analyze the applicability of those languages with respect to Configuration Knowledge representation and discuss additional demands on expressivity. For joint Configuration problem solving it is necessary to agree on a common problem definition. Therefore, we give a description logic based definition of a Configuration problem and show its equivalence with existing consistency-based definitions, thus joining the two major streams in Knowledge-based Configuration (description logics and predicate logicsconstraint based Configuration).

  • consistency based diagnosis of Configuration Knowledge bases
    European Conference on Artificial Intelligence, 2000
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Dietmar Jannach, Gerhard Friedrich, Markus Stumptner
    Abstract:

    Configuration problems are a thriving application area for declarative Knowledge representation that currently experiences a constant increase in size and complexity of Knowledge bases. Automated support of the debugging of such Knowledge bases is a necessary prerequisite for effective development of configurators. We show that this task can be achieved by consistency-based diagnosis techniques. Based on the formal definition of consistency-based Configuration we develop a framework suitable for diagnosing Configuration Knowledge bases. During the test phase of configurators, valid and invalid examples are used to test the correctness of the system. In case such examples lead to unintended results, debugging of the Knowledge base is initiated. Starting from a clear definition of diagnosis in the Configuration domain we develop an algorithm based on conflicts. Our framework is general enough for its adaptation to diagnosing customer requirements to identify unachievable conditions during Configuration sessions.

Dietmar Jannach - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Consistency-based diagnosis of Configuration Knowledge bases
    Artificial Intelligence, 2004
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Dietmar Jannach, Gerhard Friedrich, Markus Stumptner
    Abstract:

    Configuration problems are a thriving application area for declarative Knowledge representation that currently experiences a constant increase in size and complexity of Knowledge bases. Automated support of the debugging process of such Knowledge bases is a necessary prerequisite for effective development of configurators. We show that this task can be achieved by consistency-based diagnosis techniques. Based on the formal definition of consistency-based Configuration we develop a framework suitable for diagnosing Configuration Knowledge bases. During the test phase of configurators, valid and invalid examples are used to test the correctness of the system. In case such examples lead to unintended results, debugging of the Knowledge base is initiated. Starting from a clear definition of diagnosis in the Configuration domain we develop an algorithm based on conflicts. Our framework is general enough for its adaptation to diagnosing customer requirements to identify unachievable conditions during Configuration sessions.A prototype implementation using commercial constraint-based configurator libraries shows the feasibility of diagnosis within the tight time bounds of interactive debugging sessions. Finally, we discuss the usefulness of the outcomes of the diagnostic process in different scenarios.

  • Configuration Knowledge representations for semantic web applications
    Ai Edam Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Design Analysis and Manufacturing, 2003
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Dietmar Jannach, Gerhard Friedrich, Markus Stumptner, Markus Zanker
    Abstract:

    Today's economy exhibits a growing trend toward highly specialized solution providers cooperatively offering configurable products and services to their customers. This paradigm shift requires the extension of current standalone Configuration technology with capabilities of Knowledge sharing and distributed problem solving. In this context a standardized Configuration Knowledge representation language with formal semantics is needed in order to support Knowledge interchange between different Configuration environments. Languages such as Ontology Inference Layer (OIL) and DARPA Agent Markup Language (DAML+OIL) are based on such formal semantics (description logic) and are very popular for Knowledge representation in the Semantic Web. In this paper we analyze the applicability of those languages with respect to Configuration Knowledge representation and discuss additional demands on expressivity. For joint Configuration problem solving it is necessary to agree on a common problem definition. Therefore, we give a description logic based definition of a Configuration problem and show its equivalence with existing consistency-based definitions, thus joining the two major streams in Knowledge-based Configuration (description logics and predicate logicsconstraint based Configuration).

  • Configuration Knowledge representation using uml ocl
    Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2002
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Dietmar Jannach, Gerhard Friedrich, Markus Zanker
    Abstract:

    Today's economy is exhibiting a growing trend towards highly specialized solution providers cooperatively offering configurable products and services to their customers. In this context, Knowledge based configurators which support the Configuration of complex products and services, must be enhanced with capabilities of Knowledge sharing and distributed Configuration problem solving. In this paper we demonstrate how UML/OCL can be used as Knowledge representation language supporting standardized Knowledge interchange thus enabling cooperative problem solving by different Configuration environments. We show the representation of Configuration domain specific types of constraints in OCL and present an OCL based Knowledge acquisition workbench which enables Configuration Knowledge base development, maintenance and interchange.

  • conceptual modeling for Configuration of mass customizable products
    Artificial Intelligence in Engineering, 2001
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Gerhard Friedrich, Dietmar Jannach
    Abstract:

    Abstract The development and maintenance of product Configuration systems is faced with increasing challenges caused by the growing complexity of the underlying Knowledge bases. Effective Knowledge acquisition is needed since the product and the corresponding Configuration system have to be developed in parallel. In this paper, we show how to employ a standard design language (Unified Modeling Language, UML) for modeling Configuration Knowledge bases. The two constituent parts of the Configuration model are the component model and a set of corresponding functional architectures defining which requirements can be imposed on the product. The conceptual Configuration model is automatically translated into an executable logic representation. Using this representation we show how to employ model-based diagnosis techniques for debugging faulty Configuration Knowledge bases, detecting infeasible requirements, and for reconfiguring old Configurations.

  • contextual diagrams as structuring mechanisms for designing Configuration Knowledge bases in uml
    Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2000
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Dietmar Jannach, Markus Zanker
    Abstract:

    Lower prices, shorter product cycles, and the customer individual production of highly variant products are the main reasons for the success of product Configuration systems in various application domains (telecommunication industry, automotive industry, computer industry). In this paper we show how to employ UML in order to design complex Configuration Knowledge bases. We introduce the notion of contextual diagrams in order to cope with the intrinsic complexity of Configuration Knowledge. Since domain experts mostly think in terms of contexts, this approach leads to a more intuitive way of modeling Configuration Knowledge.

Gerhard Friedrich - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Consistency-based diagnosis of Configuration Knowledge bases
    Artificial Intelligence, 2004
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Dietmar Jannach, Gerhard Friedrich, Markus Stumptner
    Abstract:

    Configuration problems are a thriving application area for declarative Knowledge representation that currently experiences a constant increase in size and complexity of Knowledge bases. Automated support of the debugging process of such Knowledge bases is a necessary prerequisite for effective development of configurators. We show that this task can be achieved by consistency-based diagnosis techniques. Based on the formal definition of consistency-based Configuration we develop a framework suitable for diagnosing Configuration Knowledge bases. During the test phase of configurators, valid and invalid examples are used to test the correctness of the system. In case such examples lead to unintended results, debugging of the Knowledge base is initiated. Starting from a clear definition of diagnosis in the Configuration domain we develop an algorithm based on conflicts. Our framework is general enough for its adaptation to diagnosing customer requirements to identify unachievable conditions during Configuration sessions.A prototype implementation using commercial constraint-based configurator libraries shows the feasibility of diagnosis within the tight time bounds of interactive debugging sessions. Finally, we discuss the usefulness of the outcomes of the diagnostic process in different scenarios.

  • Configuration Knowledge representations for semantic web applications
    Ai Edam Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Design Analysis and Manufacturing, 2003
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Dietmar Jannach, Gerhard Friedrich, Markus Stumptner, Markus Zanker
    Abstract:

    Today's economy exhibits a growing trend toward highly specialized solution providers cooperatively offering configurable products and services to their customers. This paradigm shift requires the extension of current standalone Configuration technology with capabilities of Knowledge sharing and distributed problem solving. In this context a standardized Configuration Knowledge representation language with formal semantics is needed in order to support Knowledge interchange between different Configuration environments. Languages such as Ontology Inference Layer (OIL) and DARPA Agent Markup Language (DAML+OIL) are based on such formal semantics (description logic) and are very popular for Knowledge representation in the Semantic Web. In this paper we analyze the applicability of those languages with respect to Configuration Knowledge representation and discuss additional demands on expressivity. For joint Configuration problem solving it is necessary to agree on a common problem definition. Therefore, we give a description logic based definition of a Configuration problem and show its equivalence with existing consistency-based definitions, thus joining the two major streams in Knowledge-based Configuration (description logics and predicate logicsconstraint based Configuration).

  • Configuration Knowledge representation using uml ocl
    Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2002
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Dietmar Jannach, Gerhard Friedrich, Markus Zanker
    Abstract:

    Today's economy is exhibiting a growing trend towards highly specialized solution providers cooperatively offering configurable products and services to their customers. In this context, Knowledge based configurators which support the Configuration of complex products and services, must be enhanced with capabilities of Knowledge sharing and distributed Configuration problem solving. In this paper we demonstrate how UML/OCL can be used as Knowledge representation language supporting standardized Knowledge interchange thus enabling cooperative problem solving by different Configuration environments. We show the representation of Configuration domain specific types of constraints in OCL and present an OCL based Knowledge acquisition workbench which enables Configuration Knowledge base development, maintenance and interchange.

  • conceptual modeling for Configuration of mass customizable products
    Artificial Intelligence in Engineering, 2001
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Gerhard Friedrich, Dietmar Jannach
    Abstract:

    Abstract The development and maintenance of product Configuration systems is faced with increasing challenges caused by the growing complexity of the underlying Knowledge bases. Effective Knowledge acquisition is needed since the product and the corresponding Configuration system have to be developed in parallel. In this paper, we show how to employ a standard design language (Unified Modeling Language, UML) for modeling Configuration Knowledge bases. The two constituent parts of the Configuration model are the component model and a set of corresponding functional architectures defining which requirements can be imposed on the product. The conceptual Configuration model is automatically translated into an executable logic representation. Using this representation we show how to employ model-based diagnosis techniques for debugging faulty Configuration Knowledge bases, detecting infeasible requirements, and for reconfiguring old Configurations.

  • consistency based diagnosis of Configuration Knowledge bases
    European Conference on Artificial Intelligence, 2000
    Co-Authors: Alexander Felfernig, Dietmar Jannach, Gerhard Friedrich, Markus Stumptner
    Abstract:

    Configuration problems are a thriving application area for declarative Knowledge representation that currently experiences a constant increase in size and complexity of Knowledge bases. Automated support of the debugging of such Knowledge bases is a necessary prerequisite for effective development of configurators. We show that this task can be achieved by consistency-based diagnosis techniques. Based on the formal definition of consistency-based Configuration we develop a framework suitable for diagnosing Configuration Knowledge bases. During the test phase of configurators, valid and invalid examples are used to test the correctness of the system. In case such examples lead to unintended results, debugging of the Knowledge base is initiated. Starting from a clear definition of diagnosis in the Configuration domain we develop an algorithm based on conflicts. Our framework is general enough for its adaptation to diagnosing customer requirements to identify unachievable conditions during Configuration sessions.

Rohit Gheyi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • safe composition of Configuration Knowledge based software product lines
    Journal of Systems and Software, 2013
    Co-Authors: Leopoldo Teixeira, Paulo Borba, Rohit Gheyi
    Abstract:

    Mistakes made when implementing or specifying the models of a Software Product Line (SPL) can result in ill-formed products - the safe composition problem. Such problem can hinder productivity and it might be hard to detect, since SPLs can have thousands of products. In this article, we propose a language independent approach for verifying safe composition of SPLs with dedicated Configuration Knowledge models. We translate feature model and Configuration Knowledge into propositional logic and use the Alloy Analyzer to perform the verification. To provide evidence for the generality of our approach, we instantiate this approach in different compositional settings. We deal with different kinds of assets such as use case scenarios and Eclipse RCP components. We analyze both the code and the requirements for a larger scale SPL, finding problems that affect thousands of products in minutes. Moreover, our evaluation suggests that the analysis time grows linearly with respect to the number of products in the analyzed SPLs.

  • safe composition of Configuration Knowledge based software product lines
    Brazilian Symposium on Software Engineering, 2011
    Co-Authors: Leopoldo Teixeira, Paulo Borba, Rohit Gheyi
    Abstract:

    Feature models and Configuration Knowledge drive product generation in a Software Product Line (SPL). Mistakes when specifying these models or in the implementation might result in ill-formed products-- the safe composition problem. This work proposes an automated approach for verifying safe composition for SPLs with explicit Configuration Knowledge models. We translate feature models and Configuration Knowledge into propositional logic and use SAT Solvers to perform the verification. We evaluate our approach using seven releases of the MobileMedia SPL, which generate up to 272 products in the 7th release. We report safe composition problems related to non-conformity with the feature model, bad specification of the Configuration Knowledge, and implementation not envisioning the full SPL scope, that affect over 40% of the products in the 7th release.