A methodology for integration of Binary-Relationship conceptual schemas

A description is given of BRIM, a view integration methodology which utilizes the binary-relationship data model to create a global conceptual schema. In the preintegration stage it assists the designer in preparing an integration plan. Then, in the conflict resolution stage it identifies and resolves all possible types of conflicts between schemas, including naming conflicts (i.e., homonyms and synonyms) and structural conflicts (i.e., type, dependency, key, constraint, and hierarchy conflicts). Once conflicts are resolved and the source schemas are confirmed, the conflict-free schemas are merged, and interschema relationships are added to the integrated schema. BRIM is being implemented as part of ADDS, a system for automated database design. The tool leads the designer through all the stages of the integration process, providing an integrated conceptual schema which can then be automatically transformed into a normalized database schema.