Using Rules

You can select the type of rules that govern how parameters interact with models that include design tables. Some rules allow you to include parameter constraints. When you add a model to your catalog, no set of rules apply. There are three sets of rules.

• Basic Rules. With Basic Rules (the default setting), unequal numbers of elements exist for each parameter. The parameters are unrelated, and there is no invalid combination of values.

• Design Table Rules. In the Design Table Rules mode, each row in the design table represents a valid combination of values. Each parameter has an equal number of values. The XML interface returns both valid and invalid values for each parameter. The Design Table Rules mode is appropriate in most cases, especially when the user chooses parameter values in random order.

• Hierarchical Rules. Hierarchical Rules allow complex relationships between parameters. Using hierarchical rules can reduce the data set in comparison to Design Table Rules, easing data entry and maintenance. Hierarchical Rules are appropriate for models that require the user to select parameters in a specific order. The XML interface returns only valid combinations of data, based on the selections made during the parameter selection process. The relationships between parameters include the following:

  No Relation

  No relationship exists between the two parameters. For example, any one parameter can be associated to any other parameter, regardless of it's position in the design table.

  NOTE: By definition, the first parameter cannot have a relationship since it has no antecedent. However, position can be relative if you select to rearrange the parameter order.

  One to one relationship

  The two parameters are associated to each other, but not to any other parameters in the model. For example, when associating length to width, a one-to-one relationship indicates the following: For each value of length(1) on this model, there is a single valid for width(1). In a design table, these values appear along the same row in the design table. If you selected to enter new data, you can only associate a single width for every length.

  One to many Relationship

  The two parameters are associated to each other, but not to other parameters in the model. For example, when associating length(1) to width(1), a one-to-many relationship indicates the following: For each value of length, multiple values of width are valid.

  When setting up Hierarchical Rules, you can either migrate existing data from the design table or enter new data. Generally, entering new data is preferable to ensure control of the parameter order.

To set rules:

1. On the left panel, select the category that includes the model with a design table to which you want to apply rules.

   The category appears with all the models listed.

2. On the right panel, select the model.

   The Attributes dialog box appears, along with a graphic preview, and the option to display a full screen interactive view.

3. Click Parameters

   The Parameters dialog box appears.

4. Click Rule Mode.

   The Rule Mode dialog box is displayed, with Basic Rules the default setting.

5. Select Design Table Rules or Hierarchical Rules.

6. Click Save to apply the rules to the model.

   If you selected Design Table Rules, the process is finished.

   If you selected Hierarchical Rules, select either:

• Migrate existing design table data.

• Enter new data (recommended).

7. Depending on your data option for Hierarchical Rules, select one of the following:

• If you migrate the data, use the Design Table Data Migration.

• If enter new data, use the Hierarchical Rules Wizard.

General information

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