Binary-relationship integration methodology

摘要

BRIM is a view integration methodology which utilizes the binary-relationship data model and encompasses all stages of conceptual schema integration. In the pre-integration stage it assists the designer to prepare a binary-strategy integration plan. Then, in the stage of conflict resolution, it identifies and resolves all possible types of conflict between schemas, including naming conflicts (i.e. homonyms and synonyms) and structural conflicts (i.e. conflicts regarding differences between types, dependencies, keys, constraints, and hierarchies of objects). Once conflicts are resolved and the source schemas are in conformity, they are merged by superimposition, and inter-schema relationships are added to the integrated schema. The process is repeated for every two source schemas or intermediate results, until the target global schema is obtained.BRIM is supported by an interactive software tool which is part of a PC-based system for automated database design. The tool leads the designer through all stages of the integration process, applying conflict resolution rules and schema merging algorithms, providing an integrated conceptual schema which can then be automatically tranformed into a normalized database schema.