Generating concept representations from examples, using set-based notation

A database or knowledge-based system must draw on a conceptual schema that defines the domain concepts with which its user works. In the case of a system for architectural design support, for example, this might be concepts of walls, windows etc. However, making concepts explicit and expressing them in a conceptual schema, is generally difficult.

I believe and assume that it is much easier for people to grasp and represent a specific instance of a concept, than the concept itself in full generality. Based on this assumption, I propose a method for relatively easy (semi-automated) construction of a conceptual schema from examples. The method relies on a set-theoretic formalism for design support systems, the SOFA notation, which is currently under development.