Using linguistic knowledge in view integration: Toward a third generation of tools

摘要

This paper addresses the problem of view integration in a CASE tool environment which is aiming at the elaboration of a conceptual schema of an application. The previous integration tools were mainly based on syntax and structure comparisons. A new generation of intelligent tools is now arising, assuming that view integration algorithms must also capture the deep semantics of the objects represented in the views. Dealing with the semantics of the objects is now a realistic objective, thanks to the research results obtained in the natural language area. This paper presents the definition of a view integration algorithm enhanced by the use of linguistic knowledge. This algorithm mainly consists of a semantic unification of views which are described using an extended entity-relationship model. It is combined with natural language techniques such as Fillmore's semantic cases and Sowa's conceptual graphs, supported by semantic dictionaries.