data modeling multi axis context

Hello -

    I am a Java/XML guy and have been given this complex DB project that I am not sure how to tackle.

The project involves the modeling of medical concepts their retrieval and editing for structured reporting. The basic use case is this - when a doctor looks at an X-ray he can point to a spot and then describe using a dropdown menu (or some other tree representing widget) what he has found. The problem is that it is desired that the data model for this widget to be among other things 1) context aware (i.e. not reason to show you the brain if the system knows it is an x-ray of your toe)
2) be able to go down different trees (for example system or structure – as in getting to your heart via the cardio-vascular system or via the upper body) 3) Easily lend itself to data-mining operations such as for exam x which diseases were most commonly found. 4) speed is critical

I would seem to me that when designing their system companies like yahoo would have the same problem.

What are some good models to store such data? What is the good balance between loading the data into memory/ getting it from the DB?
Can you point me to some good sites/ books?

Thank you. Received on Mon May 05 2003 - 18:40:26 CDT