Table 2.
Examples of the error codes that can be produced the automated MEDchecker program.
| Error Code | Error Text | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | Either Value Out Of Range Or Non-All-Digit | A semantic-valued slot value is not a valid MEDcode. |
| 9 | Slot Not Defined For This Part Of The Hierarchy BUT In String | Slots in the MED are instantiated at discrete points in the hierarchy, referred to as the “fathers” of the slots; this error indicates that a MED concept has a value for a slot but is not a descendant of the slot’s father |
| 10 | Value xxx Is Out-Of-Range For This Slot | Semantic slots are created in reciprocal pairs; the allowed values for a semantic slot are MEDcodes for concepts that are descendants of the father of the reciprocal slot; being the corollary of error 9, this indicates that a semantic slot is filled with a MEDCode for a concept value that is not a descendant of the reciprocal slot’s father – that is, it is not allowed to have the reciprocal slot |
| 11 | Missing Reciprocal In Slot xxx Of yyy | When two concepts are related by a pair of reciprocal slots, the MEDCode for each concept is a value in the other concept’s reciprocal slot; this error indicates that the reciprocal value is missing for one of the related MED concepts. |
| 12 | Ancestor (xxx) - Descendant (yyy) Relationship Between Explicit Values | In the MED, semantic slot values are inherited and exhibit refinement, meaning the more specified value prevails over a less specified value that is inherited. This error indicates that a slot value is explicitly stated as present, even though an ancestor concept has the same value; this is a problem because it cannot be removed if refinement is desired |
| 13 | Ancestor (xxx) - Descendant (yyy) Relationship Between Explicit/Ancestor Value And Displayed Inherited/Descendant Value | Another error affecting refinement; this error indicates a hierarchical “flip-flop” in values has occurred in a semantic slot, with a more specific value in the ancestor’s slot and a less specific value in the descendant’s slot |
| 15 | Multiple Values (xxx) In A Single-Value Slot | The MED can define slots as multi-value or single value; this error indicates that there was an attempt to violate this rule. |
| 16 | Duplicate Value (xxx) In Slot | This error indicates an attempt to redundantly instantiate 2 identical values in the same slot for the same MEDcode. |
| 17 | Ancestor (xxx) - Descendant (yyy) Relationship Between Parents | This notification indicates that a hierarchical “shortcut” has been created – that is, a direct is-a relationship exists between two concepts that are also related indirectly through a chain of is-a relationships; it is not always an error. |
| 18 | Med Code xxx: Child (yyy) Is Also An Ancestor | This error indicates the presence of a classic hierarchical cycle, violating the definition of a directed acyclic graph. |
| S7 | Slot xxx: Introduction Point_Out_Of_Med Code_Range | Indicates attempt to introduce slot (that is, define the slot’s father) at non-existent copncept |
| S13 | Slot xxx: Duplicate Name With Slot xxx | Indicates an attempt to create a slot with the same name as an existing slot. |