CWM to Relational Database Conversion System

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Solution Overview

Problem

The Common Warehouse Model (CWM) representations cannot be easily transformed into design elements for relational databases due to the proprietary nature of relational database design tools, limiting the exchange, processing, and standardization of warehouse metadata.

Innovation Solution

A method is developed to convert the logical and physical aspects of the CWM into corresponding design items and database management system elements, using a hierarchical processing approach to create entity-relationship libraries and design models, and generating SQL scripts for database design tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If CWM representations are used for warehouse metadata, then standardization and exchange capability are improved, but transformation to relational database design elements becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexchange capabilityVSAvoidtransformation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary conversion system that translates CWM representations into relational database design elements. This intermediary processor enables communication between the standardized CWM format and proprietary database tools, resolving the transformation difficulty while preserving exchange capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conversion process is segmented into distinct transformation steps: parsing CWM metadata, mapping to relational concepts, and generating database-specific design elements. This segmentation makes the overall transformation manageable and adaptable to different database systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If proprietary database design tools are used, then database design capability is improved, but exchange and processing of CWM metadata becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign capabilityVSAvoidexchange capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal conversion layer that works with multiple proprietary database tools simultaneously. The system maintains compatibility with various database design tools while accepting standardized CWM input, enabling both specialized design capability and broad exchange capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If direct transformation from CWM to relational database elements is attempted, then processing efficiency is improved, but transformation accuracy deteriorates due to model differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidtransformation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary analysis and mapping of CWM concepts to relational database concepts before actual transformation. This preliminary action establishes accurate correspondence relationships, ensuring transformation accuracy while maintaining efficient processing through pre-computed mappings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7958165B1Converting logical aspects of common warehouse model to design elements for relational database

Publication Date: 2011.06.07 UNISYS CORP

AI summary

A method and a system for converting logical aspects of a common warehouse model (CWM) to corresponding design items for a relational database by processing in a hierarchical manner the logical aspects and creating the corresponding design items. The logical aspects comprise entity-relationship (ER) libraries. The ER libraries comprise ER models. The corresponding design items comprise design libraries. The design libraries comprise design models.