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A Rule‐Based Subset Generation Method for Product Data Models
Author(s) -
Yang Donghoon,
Eastman Charles M.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
computer‐aided civil and infrastructure engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.773
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1467-8667
pISSN - 1093-9687
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-8667.2006.00476.x
Subject(s) - computer science , schema (genetic algorithms) , conceptual schema , database schema , data exchange , data mining , theoretical computer science , software engineering , programming language , information retrieval , database , database design , psychology , developmental psychology , gender schema theory
A neutral product model facilitates data exchange and integration. Particularly in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction product domains, neutral product models have been developed to support integration across segments of the product lifecycle and thus support a range of applications. Because of this, only subsets of the neutral data structures are utilized in any one exchange. Subsets are also called conformance classes (ISO‐STEP, CIS/2) or views (IFC), and include subtle conceptual and intentional differences. In current practice, the subset definition method ranges from just selecting entity data types, to defining a sub schema (data model), or to describing the purpose of the subset in natural language. This diversity in defining a subset comes from the complexity of reference relationships and subtyping capabilities of current product data models defined in the EXPRESS product modeling language. This article presents a formal method for defining a schema subset using set theory. It introduces the concept of a base set. A base set works as a building block of a subset with identified rules. It also identifies subset generation rules and a classification of rules according to schema versus instance, and semantic versus syntactic characteristics of subsets. The presented capabilities are intended to facilitate the generation of views within a product model schema supporting specific exchanges.