A universal relation data model with semantic abstractions

Two important features of modern database models are support for complex data structures and support for high-level data retrieval and update. The first issue has been studied by the development of various semantic data models; the second issue has been studied through universal relation data models. How the advantages of these two approaches can be combined is presently examined. A new data model that incorporates standard concepts from semantic data models such as entities, aggregations, and ISA hierarchies is introduced. It is then shown how nonnavigational queries and updates can be interpreted in this model. The main contribution is to demonstrate how universal relation techniques can be extended to a more powerful data model. Moreover, the semantic constructs of the model allow one to eliminate many of the limitations of previous universal relation models