Semantic Heterogeneity in Database and Data Dictionary Integration for Commandand Control Systems

摘要

Semantic heterogeneity has been investigated in connection with the database anddata dictionary integration efforts that support Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence (C3I) systems. Based on this investigation, a systematic approach to the resolution of semantic heterogeneity has been developed and illustrated with examples derived from the component C3I system databases in a federation. A methodology is introduced for resolving semantic conflicts to construct a tightly coupled federated database system by facilitating the development of a global schema derived from the individual schemas of the component databases. This methodology of resolving semantic conflicts results in the formation and modification of synonym-homonym groups (SHG), a concept introduced and developed in the paper. A detailed analysis using a three-phased procedure is introduced, with each phase exploring semantic heterogeneity at progressively finer levels of information granularity For the purpose of illustration, the simplest case of a two-component database integration into a tightly coupled federated database system is considered, but the methodology can be generalized to include three or more component databases in a federated system. It also can be applied in the case of a fully merged database integration involving any number of component databases. A variety of inconsistencies were identified using the heuristics implemented in the algorithm. Resolutions of the problems arising from semantic heterogeneity are suggested, and directions for future research are explored.