An enhanced conceptual structure derivation

A novel and comprehensive methodology for derivation of enhanced conceptual structures is presented. The methodology meets the current state of research in semantic database modeling and it has proved particularly attractive for implementing an integrated tool for computer-assisted design. Present and anticipated user requirements on data (and pertinent statistics), as determining so called pre-canned function environment, are regarded as the fulcrum for all design stages and the verifier of most design decisions. The derivation process handles the extended range of semantic modeling constructs, such as: partial and total entities of a relationship, weak and regular relationships, n-ary, nested, recursive and nonunivocal relationships. A rigorous procedure for view modeling and integration is proposed and followed by a step-wise procedure for transforming collections of attributes, called primitive objects, into entities and relationships of a conceptual schema. A necessity for conceptual schema refinements (through abstractions and normalization) and for design feedbacks is exposed. A consistent set of examples is given in order to illustrate the underlying algorithms and to exemplify the semantics involved in the conceptual model. Finally, a very comprehensive list of references is provided in an attempt to make the report useful as a tutorial for more sophisticated readers (hence, some of the references only intrude on the corner of conceptual database design).