A knowledge model for unifying deductive and non-deductive heterogeneous databases

A new, much-needed knowledge model for integrating heterogeneous knowledge represented by independently developed deductive rules and diverse data models has been developed and is presented. It has the strength and expressiveness necessary to unify seemingly disparate, autonomous components. Separate components, including rules, are modeled as functional units. A complete set of relationships, or links, between units based on domain interdependencies is defined, along with a set of integration operators. This approach resolves the unique and complex forms of conflict that arise from integrating deductive rules from autonomous sources, such as conflicts in meaning, redundancies and subsumption. This model has significant application to the creation of a common representation for future shared environments