Knowledge Base Coordinator Ontology Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools for integrating disparate ontologies lack adequate safeguards for semantics, security, integrity, and accessibility, making it difficult to manage and merge multiple ontologies effectively in a secure and traceable manner.
Innovation Solution
A Knowledge-Base Coordinator (KBC) is introduced, which uses a meta-ontology to classify and control access to multiple ontologies, providing a secure, traceable, and location-transparent design for seamless inclusion of multiple ontologies, including support for hierarchical systems, access control, and ontology versioning, while allowing runtime merging of independently designed ontologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple ontologies are integrated using current tools, then the quantity of knowledge resources increases, but semantic integrity and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Knowledge Base Coordinator (KBC) as an intermediary system that manages the integration of multiple ontologies. The KBC uses a meta-ontology to classify source ontologies, control their inclusion, and enforce access policies, thereby maintaining semantic integrity while enabling multi-ontology systems. This mediator coordinates between disparate ontology sources and the merged knowledge base, ensuring security and traceability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ontologies are merged without coordination, then the versatility of knowledge applications increases, but system security and accessibility control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary classification and authorization mechanisms through the meta-ontology before ontologies are merged. The system pre-defines access control policies, classifies source ontologies into types, and establishes security rules in advance. This preliminary structuring enables versatile multi-ontology applications while maintaining security control through pre-established authorization frameworks.
3Reliability
If a meta-ontology framework is implemented to control access, then semantic security improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the knowledge base system into distinct layers: source ontologies, a meta-ontology for classification and control, and a merged ontology. The KBC is divided into separate modules including an ontology inclusion manager, access control enforcer, and versioning controller. This segmentation manages complexity by organizing functions into discrete, manageable components while maintaining comprehensive security control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If runtime merging of ontologies is enabled, then the dynamic evolvability of applications improves, but traceability and version control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the KBC that track ontology inclusions, modifications, and versions in real-time. The system maintains provenance information about source ontologies and their contributions to the merged ontology. This feedback loop enables runtime merging while preserving traceability, as the KBC continuously monitors and records changes to maintain an audit trail of ontology evolution.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides computer program products, systems, and related methods of coordinating a knowledge base.