Using a Concept Graph
A concept graph is a graphical representation of the elements that make up a subject area and the links that exist between them.
By default, each concept graph associated with a single subject area is also associated with a single business information area. But the objects of a concept graph can be connected to different business information areas.
The components of a concept graph
A dictionary graph describes the information architecture. By default, you see in the dictionary graph concepts, variations and individuals only.
The following concept graph partially describes the "Media Library" subject area.
Concept graph diagram with standard views
Activating the views window
The Views and Details window presents an extended list of views (object types to be displayed).
To activate the Views and Detailswindow:
1. In a diagram, click
Views and Details.
The list of views (object types to be displayed) appears.
2. Select or clear the views you wish to display or not.
The views available for a business information area are:
• Concepts,
• Concept types,
• State concepts,
• Event concepts,
• Individuals,
• Individual states,
• Individual events,
• Concept Views
A concept view enables representation of the semantic scope covered by a business object. A concept view is based on the selection of several concepts specific to the view.
Adding a dictionary graph element
For example, to add an existing concept to a business information area:
1. In the concept graph object toolbar, click
Concept.
2. Click on the diagram.
The add concept dialog box opens and asks you to select a concept.
3. Select the concept that interests you.
4. Click Add.
The concept appears in the diagram.
Using the object insert toolbar
An insert toolbar available on each object simplifies object creation by proposing object selection help. It proposes only those objects that can be connected to the current object.
This function is available with
HOPEX Web Front-End only.
To create, for example, a concept from a concept graph:
1. Click on the concept of the graph that interests you.
The bar containing the objects you can insert at this stage appears.
2. Click the icon that represents the object you wish to create.
For example:
Concept .
The link selection dialog box appears.
3. In the link selection dialog box, select the desired link type.
For example: Concept Structural Component.
4. Click in the graph at the point where you wish to place the object.
The object is created, with the link to the previous object.
Accessing link properties in a concept graph
In a concept graph, links are directional and access the properties of both the link and the link target object.
The pop-up menu of a Concept Structural Component link type for example presents:
• commands specific to the object type used by the component
for example Concept
• commands relating to the component itself
for example Concept Structural Component
• commands relating to the graphics.
To access properties of a link of "component" type:
for example Concept Structural Component
1. Right-click the link to open its pop-up menu.
2. Select the link and click Properties.
The link properties dialog box opens.
The Characteristics tab of the link properties window provides a number of data items.
• The Local Name of the link, which corresponds by default to the target dictionary element or term associated with the link.
• The Composed Concept targeted by the link.
• The Owner who is the dictionary element at the origin of the link.
• The Minimum Multiplicity is the number of origin elements that can access the same target elements.
For example, how many "Works" can belong to the same "Work Category".
• The Maximum Multiplicity is the number of target elements that can be connected to the same origin elements.
For example, a "Work" can only belong to only one "Work Category".
• The Dictionary Abstract Type check box, which enables specification of the concrete or abstract character of a concept
• Dictionary Property Scope which can be one of the following:
• "Referenced": to indicate that the target concept is referenced by a link,
• "Embedded": to indicate that the target concept exists in its own right, but is included in the concept that is the source of the link,
• "Composite": to indicate that the target concept is a component of the concept that is the source of the link; if the target concept is destroyed, the composite is also destroyed.
• The Designation of the link and the Definition Text field enable association of a term and a definition to the link.
• Super-types that are used to access the properties of a linked inherited from a concept type.
• The Realization, which is used to associate this dictionary element with the application architecture.
For more details, see the
HOPEX Business Data guide.
• Synonyms, which are used to specify a list of synonyms.
