US 2003/0120651 A1 · Methods and systems for model matching

Abstract

Systems and methods for automatically and generically matching models are provided, such as may be provided in a matching application or matching component, or provided in a general purpose system for managing models. The methods are generic since the methods apply to hierarchical data sets outside of any particular data model or application. Similarity coefficients are calculated for, and mappings are discovered between, schema elements based on their names, data types, constraints, and schema structure, using a broad set of techniques. Some of these techniques include the integrated use of linguistic and structural matching, context dependent matching of shared types, and a bias toward subtree, or leaf, structure where much of the schema content resides.

Claims47

Dependent claims

A method for generating similarity coefficients between model elements when comparing a first data model having hierarchically organized first model elements and a second data model having hierarchically organized second model elements, comprising:

first generating a plurality of inherent similarity coefficients for each pair of model elements, with each pair comprising a model element of said first model elements and a model element of said second model elements;
second generating a plurality of structural similarity coefficients for each pair of model elements based on a similarity of subtree elements rooted by the element pair, whereby each pair of model elements is assigned an initial structural similarity coefficient;
third generating a plurality of weighted similarity coefficients for each pair of model elements as a weighted function of said plurality of inherent similarity coefficients and said plurality of structural similarity coefficients;
and
for each pair of model elements, altering the similarity of said subtree elements rooted by the element pair if a function based on said weighted similarity coefficient of said element pair meets a predetermined condition.

2 more elements

A computer readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of computer-executable modules, the computer executable modules, comprising:

a comparison mechanism for generating similarity coefficients between model elements when comparing a first data model having hierarchically organized first model elements and a second data model having hierarchically organized second model elements, said mechanism comprising:
means for first generating a plurality of inherent similarity coefficients for each pair of model elements, with each pair comprising a model element of said first model elements and a model element of said second model elements;
means for second generating a plurality of structural similarity coefficients for each pair of model elements based on a similarity of subtree elements rooted by the element pair, whereby each pair of model elements is assigned an initial structural similarity coefficient;
means for third generating a plurality of weighted similarity coefficients for each pair of model elements as a weighted function of said plurality of inherent similarity coefficients and said plurality of structural similarity coefficients;
and
means for altering the similarity of said subtree elements rooted by the element pair for each pair of model elements, if a function based on said weighted similarity coefficient of said element pair meets a predetermined condition.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods and systems for model matching

Life of this patent

Methods and systems for model matching

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims47