Ontology-Based Data Model Validation for Semantic Independence

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In large enterprises, data is often modeled differently by various users for different applications, leading to incompatible models that change over time, making it challenging to manage and maintain consistent data across systems.

Innovation Solution

The method employs an ontology to describe and manage data models, using a validation schema to validate objects derived from data-centric components, allowing for semantic-independent implementation and transformation of data without affecting other content structures, enabling neutral management of data models across different user needs and applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different users model the same data in different ways for different applications, then each user can optimize data for their specific needs, but the data models become incompatible and difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata model adaptabilityVSAvoiddata model complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments data models into modular components that can be independently defined, validated, and managed. Each data model is broken down into reusable elements that can be combined differently for various applications, allowing customization without creating entirely separate incompatible models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary validation mechanism that mediates between different data model representations. This validation layer ensures compatibility and consistency across different user-specific data models, acting as a bridge that allows diversity while maintaining manageability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If data models change over time to meet evolving user needs, then data can remain relevant and useful, but consistency and compatibility across systems become difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata model evolutionVSAvoiddata model consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary validation schemas that are defined in advance to govern future data model changes. These pre-established validation rules ensure that as data models evolve to meet new requirements, they automatically conform to consistency standards, preventing incompatible changes before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through validation that monitor data model changes over time. When data models are modified to meet evolving needs, the validation system provides feedback to ensure changes maintain consistency with established standards, allowing evolution while preserving stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If a single data repository is used by multiple users, then data centralization is achieved, but different user models create incompatibility issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access efficiencyVSAvoiddata model compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates universal data model structures that can serve multiple user needs simultaneously. The same core data repository and model definitions are designed to be multi-functional, supporting different application requirements through configurable validation schemas rather than requiring separate models for each user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8954474B2Managing data systems to support semantic-independent schemas
Publication Date: 2015.02.10 THE BOEING CO
  • US8954474B2 patent drawing
  • US8954474B2 patent drawing
  • US8954474B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of maintaining data described in a plurality of data models. An ontology is used to describe the data models. The data models are managed using the ontology and using a validation schema to validate object(s) governed by the ontology and derived from data-centric component(s) of content that has a semantically independent structure. Management of the data models is neutral relative to implementation of the content.