We have identified selection cases and classified DTD types in the above sections. Now, we can briefly summarize the relationships between selection cases and DTD types as follows :
For a given user query q , the database selection in a homogeneous DTD may be either a non-conflict selection case or a disjoint selection case.
Proof: In a homogeneous DTD, ˆ S i , S j ˆˆ S ( 1 ‰ i, j ‰ n, i ‰ j ), I i = I j , W i = W j . If:
Suppose C i ˆ C j ‰ ˜, c k ˆˆ C i ˆ C j ( 1 ‰ k ‰ p ), D ik = D jk , is valid since they use the same indexing method and the same term weight scheme to evaluate the usefulness of the databases. Then, Simi Li (D ik , q) = Simi Lj (D jk , q) is true. So, the database selection in this homogeneous DTD is a non-conflict selection case (recall Definition 11).
Suppose C i ˆ C j = ˜ is valid. Then, the database selection in this homogeneous DTD is a disjoint selection case (recall Definition 8).
Given a user query q, for a partially homogeneous DTD, or a partially heterogeneous DTD, or a heterogeneous DTD, any potential selection case may exist.
Proof: In a partially homogeneous DTD, or a partially heterogeneous DTD, or a heterogeneous DTD, ˆ S i , S j ˆˆ S ( 1 ‰ i, j ‰ n, i ‰ j ), ˆƒ 1 ‰ i, j ‰ n, i ‰ j, I i ‰ I j or ˆƒ 1 ‰ i, j ‰ n, i ‰ j, W i ‰ W j is true. If:
Suppose C i ˆ C j ‰ ˜, c k ˆˆ C i ˆ C j ( 1 ‰ k ‰ p ), D ik = D jk , is valid, but since the databases employ different index methods or different term weight schemes, Simi Li (D ik , q) = Simi Lj (D jk , q) is not always true. So, the selection case in these three DTDs is either a conflict selection case or a non-conflict selection case.
Suppose C i ˆ C j = ˜ is valid. Then, the database selection in these three DTDs is a disjoint selection case.
By combining the above two cases, we conclude that any potential selection case may exist in all the DTD types except the homogeneous DTD.