AdCIM

Modelling Layer

The modelling layer represents the common schema and model information and the transformations between schemata. The distributed storage layer uses the schema for data persistence, and the upper layers of the framework to define the format of messages and form generation.

The above figure represents the processes that manipulate and transform schema information. The "schema" section covers the transformations between CIM schema and XML-Schema. The latter has standard support in numerous parsers and validators, and tools that create web forms and instances. The transformation is done by an XSLT template. The XML defines an abbreviated syntax for CIM data, defining aspects like key properties and naming information in the schema, reducing the redundant information to a minimum.

This abbreviated XML syntax, named miniCIM can be validated directly with the schema. The schema can check not only type correctness, but referential, or identity integrity correctness (i.e. all the key properties are present on the instance)

The XML Schema also allows to automatically generate forms that can check validity and complex constraints, as described in the Application Layer section. This forms use directly the schema information, so they can check complex constraints such as key unicity and the validity of key references. Also, using an architecture like JAXB, Java classes that can be populated from / persisted to XML instances can be defined.