ComponentOf

Directed

yes

Source end
Multiplicity

1 - *

Target end
Multiplicity

0 - *

Binary properties
Reflexivity

no

Transitivity

no

Symmetry

no

Cyclicity

no

Definition

«ComponentOf» is a parthood relation between two complexes. Examples include:

  1. my hand is part of my arm;

  2. a car engine is part of a car;

  3. an Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) is part of a Central Process Unit (CPU);

  4. a heart is part of a circulatory system.

Transitivity holds for certain cases but not for others, it depends on context. «ComponentOf» relation obeys weak supplementation principle (at least 2 parts are required, may be of different types).

Constraints

C1: The classes connected to both association ends of this relation must represent universals whose instances are functional complexes.

Common questions

Ask us some question if something is not clear …

Examples

EX1: Functional Complex

See also Part-Whole.

References:

GUIZZARDI, Giancarlo. Ontological Foundations for Structural Conceptual Models. Enschede: CTIT, Telematica Instituut, 2005. GUIZZARDI, Giancarlo. Introduction to Ontological Engineering. [presentation] Prague: Prague University of Economics, 2011.