Data Representation Models of Concept Systems

This paper first introduces concept representation model to represent the concept and relations among concepts. Then, in view of the existing problems such as numerous types of concept systems, cross-application and standard inconsistency, this paper proposes that concept systems can be distinguished into five types according to their formalization degree, namely glossary, subject heading schemes, taxonomies, thesauri and ontology. Then we summarize and compare the characteristics of them, and propose data models of each type of concept system.