Computer apparatus and method for logical modelling
First Claim
1. A computer based modelling system comprising:
- a computer processor;
means coupled to said computer processor for storing a model database;
a set of primitives stored in said database;
interface means coupled to said computer processor for enabling a user to input, retrieve, and manipulate data within said database; and
tooling means responsive to said interface means for enabling a high level user of said modelling system to create a modelling methodology by editing said database to define;
(a) modelling objects in terms of said primitives,(b) a mode of viewing said modelling objects, and(c) logical relationships between elements of said modelling objects and views thereof.
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Abstract
A computer based modelling system includes a computer processor and a memory for storing a model database. A set of primitives is stored in the database. An interface coupled to the computer processor enables a user to input, retrieve and manipulate data within the database. A high level user of the modelling system creates a modelling methodology by editing the database to define: (a) modelling objects in terms of the primitives, (b) modes of viewing the modelling objects, and (c) logical relationships between elements of the views and the modelling objects. A system modeler can create models for specific applications by selecting views representative of modelling objects stored in the database, and manipulating the views in accordance with the methodology defined by the system tooler. Invalid manipulations are prohibited. Policies of coordination can be established among a plurality of modeling sessions of one or more low level users. The system database has a recursive structure, whereby a change made to a first object or view will initiate corresponding changes in every other object or view logically related to the first object or view.
267 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A computer based modelling system comprising:
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a computer processor; means coupled to said computer processor for storing a model database; a set of primitives stored in said database; interface means coupled to said computer processor for enabling a user to input, retrieve, and manipulate data within said database; and tooling means responsive to said interface means for enabling a high level user of said modelling system to create a modelling methodology by editing said database to define; (a) modelling objects in terms of said primitives, (b) a mode of viewing said modelling objects, and (c) logical relationships between elements of said modelling objects and views thereof. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for creating modelling methodologies to enable a modeler to build evaluatable models for intended applications comprising the steps of:
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providing a set of primitives including; (a) entities, (b) relationships for associating entities, and (c) attributes for setting conditions on relationships; storing said primitives in a model database; creating modelling objects from said stored entities, relationships and attributes; storing said modelling objects in said database; establishing modes for viewing said stored modelling objects; defining logical relationships between elements of said modelling objects and views thereof; storing said logical relationships in the database; and providing a user with access to said modelling objects through views thereof, to enable the user to create models for an intended application by manipulating said views to edit entities and relationships in said model database in accordance with a methodology defined by the types of modelling objects provided, and the relationships and attributes applicable thereto. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A computer modelling system having a graphical interface to a model database, comprising:
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first tooler means for defining groups of objects and logical relationships between said objects in a model database; second tooler means, coupled to said model database, for creating diagram fragments and mapping said diagram fragments to corresponding groups of said objects and relationships in said database; modeler means coupled to said database for creating a composite diagram containing a plurality of said diagram fragments; and mapping means for identifying in said composite diagram said plurality of diagram fragments, and mapping said diagram fragments to the corresponding group of objects and relationships in said model database to define a model instance. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30)
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Specification