France, Kim, Ghosh, and Song propose a pattern specification technique that employs unified modeling language (UML) pattern design. The proposed technique creates specialized metamodels that characterize UML design models of pattern solutions.
The specialized metamodels are created by using UML class diagrams and sequence diagrams. The class diagrams are used to specify the structural view of pattern solutions, and the sequence diagrams are used to specify the interaction view of pattern solutions.
Two major specifications for specifying pattern solutions are discussed in the paper: “Structural Pattern Specification” (SPS) and “Interaction Pattern Specification” (IPS). An SPS defines the part of the pattern metamodel that characterizes class diagram views of pattern solutions. An IPS, on the other hand, defines a specialization of the UML metamodel class interaction.
The authors state that the proposed specification technique can be used as a base for tools that support the creation and evolution of patterns, and the rigorous application of design patterns to UML design models.