Matrix Tool

The Matrix tool allow two types of matrix (aka grid) to be created and edited: an Attribute Matrix and a Relationship Matrix.

Basic Features

• Attribute Matrix or Relationship Matrix
• Simple clicking operation for assigning properties (in an Attribute Matrix) or asserting relationships (in a Relationship Matrix)
• Inheritance of attributes/values (in an Attribute Matrix), and indication of conflicts (if multiple inheritance is present)
• Selectable displays for relationship attributes 
• Desigable 'user forms' for data entry to a Relationship Matrix
• Customisable symbols for numerical relationship values in a Relationship Matrix 
• Charts for displaying numerical values of a Relationship Matrix

Attribute Matrix

An Attribute Matrix is a way of associating properties (attributes and values) to knowledge objects. It does this by presenting a matrix of knowledge objects on the vertical axis and attributes/values on the horizontal axis. A simple clicking operation associates attributes and/or values with the relevant object.

An example of an Attribute Matrix is shown below.

Relationship Matrix

A Relationship Matrix is a way of associating certain knowledge objects (on the X-axis) to certain knowledge objects (on the Y-axis) using a specified relation, such as "followed by", "has constraint" or "requires". One relation per matrix is used. If the relation chosen has properties (attributes and values) then special symbols can be used to show each relationship’s properties. User forms can be designed to aid entry of data, and charts can be created to display the numerical properties of relationships in graphical form.

An example of a Relationship Matrix is shown below. The matrix shows which objects are related to which other objects (using a specified relation).

Another example of a Relationship Matrix is shown below. This matrix shows the numerical values of a relation attribute.

Another example of a Relationship Matrix is shown below. This matrix shows symbols for the ranges of numerical values for a relation attribute.

User Interface

The user interface of an Attribute Matrix is explained in the following figure.

The user interface of a Relationship Matrix is explained in the following figure.