IDEF5 standard

IDEF5 standard is developed for visual representation in the form of a diagram data, received as a result of ontological analysis. The concept of Ontology (ontos-existence, logos- science) is the part of Metaphysics- a science which studies the organization of the real world.
Any system in the real world consists of two constituents- objects and correlations between them. The ontological analysis is needed for studying of such systems functioning. Per se, using the ontological analysis it is possible to model and study any system of objects of the real world and correlations between them. Besides, changing forms of correlations, it is possible to model the behavior of the considered system. The ontological analysis starts from composition of the dictionary of terms, which is used for description of examined objects and processes.
Further on these terms get detailed and precise definition. After this logical correlations between definite terms are specified. Ontology of the examined system represents the totality of the terms dictionary and a system of logical interrelations between these terms. Accordingly to IDEF5 standard the construction process of Ontology consists of 5 main stages.

• Study and systematization of initial conditions. At this stage the main goals of Ontology development are defined and responsibilities between development project members are allocated.
• Collection and accumulation of necessary initial data.
• Data analysis. This stage is intended for simplification of terminology creation.
• Initial development of Ontology. Forming of initial Ontology on the basis of existing data.
• Specification and confirmation of Ontology.

For construction of ontologies in IDEF5 special ontological languages are used: Schematic Language (SL) and a language of overpatching and specifications –Elaboration Language (EL).
SL language is used for representation of data in graphical view. With its help it is possible to construct various ontological schemes and diagrams. EL language is s textual language with the help of which existing elements of Ontology are described in details. SL language is represented for giving the main visual information about the system and construction description. The giving of the full and detailed information about the system and thorough system analysis is a function of EL language.

Indication	Description
	Specification of the system class
	Specification of the system element
	Correlation many with many
	Correlation between two classes
	Secondary correlation
	Slow change of a state
	Quick change of a state
	Momentary change of state
	Specification of a process
	Specification of ties
	Specification of crosses

There are 4 types of schemes in IDEF5:

• Classification diagrams
• Composition Schematics
• Relation Schematics
• Object State Schematic

Classification diagrams allow to systemize knowledge obtained at system study. Classification diagrams divide into diagrams of a strict classification (Description Subsumption - DS) and diagrams of natural or specific classification (Natural Kind Classification - NKC). Accordingly to DS diagram, class properties are the necessary and sufficient characteristic of an object belonging to a class. And vice versa- NKC diagrams does not imply a presence of necessary and sufficient characteristics of an object belonging to a class. As an example of DS objects can be triangle and rectangle which belong to the class of polygons, and as NKC example can be a cat, a dog and a horse belonging to the class of animals.
Composition schemes allow graphically represent the composition of a class. Better to say such scheme shows from which parts the object consists of. An example of composition scheme of an object “Bicycle wheel” which come into the class “Wheel” is presented below.

Schemes of interrelations are intended for visualization of objects in system and even for representation of dependencies between interrelations themselves.

Diagrams of the object states allow to show the process of change of the objects states in graphical form. For example with the help of such diagram it is possible to represent the process of transferring of the object from the class “Half-finished product” to the class “Detail” under the influence of grinding and specify the rate of object state change.

Thus, IDEF5 standard represents methods with the help of which it is possible to model, analyze and support any system clearly and effectively.

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