So why do we talk about formal representation of patterns?

 The advantage of formal methods is ability to create tools that can automate certain tasks. Pattern by Example by Delta Software Technology is an excellent example of that. Pattern by Example allows users to generate intermediate pattern representation from existing code examples and then create implementations based on intermediate pattern representation. [4]

As it was mentioned earlier, IC Card design can be generated from example source code that is usually included with pattern description. As a proof of concept, a Java tool called DiagramMaker was developed to demonstrate this feature of IC Card design. 

DiagramMaker takes a Java classes code as input and displays it as an IC Card diagram. The tool was partially inspired by Pattern by Example. Pattern by Example uses Java/C++ source code and creates an intermediate pattern representation, while DiagramMaker creates a diagram from simplified example Java code.