Integration of Semiformal and Formal Methods for Specifying Knowledge-Based Systems

The paper describes a specification approach for knowledge-based systems (kbs) combining semiformal and formal specification techniques. The semiformal knowledge representation uses a hypermedia-based formalism which serves as a communication basis between expert and knowledge engineer. This representation is also the basis for the formalization process resulting in the formal and executable model of expertise written in KARL. A smooth transition from the semiformal to the formal specification is enabled as both description techniques use the same conceptual model to describe the system.