Naive semantics to support automated database design

Research devoted to developing knowledge-based tools for database design has demonstrated that it is possible to encode a great deal of process knowledge about database design in a (knowledge-based) computer program. However, experience with these tools shows that the contribution of an expert human designer extends beyond his or her knowledge of database design techniques. The paper discusses the application of an approach, called Naive Semantics (NS), to simulate the contributions made to a design based on the designer's general knowledge. Naive semantics involves the use of an extensible store of generally understood knowledge about the world. The paper describes the types of information that could be included in a Naive Semantics knowledge base and how that knowledge might be applied to increase the effectiveness of automated database design systems. Results of various implementations of ontologies based on Naive Semantics are discussed.