EP0187373A2 — Relational database management system

Claim 1

Independent Claim 795 words

A data processing system having: input means for providing input signals; a visual display; storage means providing signals representing a plurality of record occurrences organized as relations within a relational database; working storage; and a processor having means for controlling said visual display, for reading and writing said working storage, and for responding to said input signals, and access means for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database and for storing retrieved record occurrence signals in said working storage, characterized in having means in said working storage for providing format signals representative of predefined LIST, DISPLAY and SELECT mode display formats, said format signals including mode indicators each corresponding to a said mode display format; and cursor signals representative of a cursor defined against a target comprising at least one of said relations in said database; and relational operator means for providing signals representative of a result relation defined interactively through said input means, said operator means comprising: cursor acceptance means for accepting from said working storage said cursor signals, said system access means being responsive to said cursor acceptance means and to signals derived from said LIST mode indicator to retrieve from said target, record occurrence signals specified by said cursor, screen image defining means responsive to said LIST mode indicator for accepting from said working storage said LIST mode format signais, and for defining and storing LIST mode screen image signals representative of a LIST mode screen image, responsive to said LIST mode format signals and to said retrieved record occurrence signals, responsive to said DISPLAY mode indicator for accepting from said working storage said DISPLAY mode format signals, and for defining and storing screen image signals representative of a screen image, responsive to said DISPLAY mode format signals and said retrieved record occurrence signals, responsive to said SELECT mode indicator for accepting from said working storage said SELECT mode format signals, and for defining and storing responsive thereto screen image signals representative of a screen image providing generic elements and open elements. responsive to said predefined display format signals to define in a said screen image, representations of a plurality of selectable operations executable by said processor, a said plurality of said selectable operations being defined for each said mode format, said plurality of selectable operations defined for said LIST mode format including a transition operation from display according to said LIST mode format to display according to said SELECT mode format, and a transition operation from display according to said LIST mode format to display according to said DISPLAY mode format, defined for said SELECT mode format including a transition operation from display according to said SELECT mode format to display according to said LIST mode format, and defined for said DISPLAY mode format including a transition operation from display according to said DISPLAY mode format to display according to said LIST mode format, said processor being responsive to said operator means to control said display to display a representation of a said stored screen image, and to modify said stored screen image signals corresponding to signals from said input means, input during such display, and to accept, during such display, operation selection signals from said input means, effecting selection of one of the said plurality of operations defined for said display format, said processor storing said operation selection signals, said operator means further comprising means for deriving from said modified LIST mode screen image signals together with said cursor signals, output signals defining a result relation, membership in which is defined enumeratively, means for deriving from said modified SELECT mode screen image signals together with said cursor signals, output signals defining a result relation, membership in which is defined characteristically, and means for storing said output signals in said working storage, said operator means further providing means responsive to said stored operation selection signals for providing and storing an output signal representative of said selected operation, means responsive to a said output signal representative of said transition operation from LIST to DISPLAY to provide a said DISPLAY mode indicator to said screen image defining means, means responsive to a said output signal representative of said transition operation from DISPLAY to LIST to provide a LIST mode indicator to said screen image defining means, means responsive to said output signal representative of said transition operation from LIST to SELECT to provide signals representative of said SELECT mode indicator to said screen image defining means, and means responsive to said output signal representative of said transition operation from SELECT to LIST to provide signals representative of said LIST mode indicator to said screen image defining means and to said cursor acceptance means, said cursor acceptance means being thereafter responsive to said modified cursor signals to retrieve record occurrence signals from said target.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 795 words

A data processing system having: input means for providing input signals; a visual display; storage means providing signals representing a plurality of record occurrences organized as relations within a relational database; working storage; and a processor having means for controlling said visual display, for reading and writing said working storage, and for responding to said input signals, and access means for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database and for storing retrieved record occurrence signals in said working storage, characterized in having means in said working storage for providing format signals representative of predefined LIST, DISPLAY and SELECT mode display formats, said format signals including mode indicators each corresponding to a said mode display format; and cursor signals representative of a cursor defined against a target comprising at least one of said relations in said database; and relational operator means for providing signals representative of a result relation defined interactively through said input means, said operator means comprising: cursor acceptance means for accepting from said working storage said cursor signals, said system access means being responsive to said cursor acceptance means and to signals derived from said LIST mode indicator to retrieve from said target, record occurrence signals specified by said cursor, screen image defining means responsive to said LIST mode indicator for accepting from said working storage said LIST mode format signais, and for defining and storing LIST mode screen image signals representative of a LIST mode screen image, responsive to said LIST mode format signals and to said retrieved record occurrence signals, responsive to said DISPLAY mode indicator for accepting from said working storage said DISPLAY mode format signals, and for defining and storing screen image signals representative of a screen image, responsive to said DISPLAY mode format signals and said retrieved record occurrence signals, responsive to said SELECT mode indicator for accepting from said working storage said SELECT mode format signals, and for defining and storing responsive thereto screen image signals representative of a screen image providing generic elements and open elements. responsive to said predefined display format signals to define in a said screen image, representations of a plurality of selectable operations executable by said processor, a said plurality of said selectable operations being defined for each said mode format, said plurality of selectable operations defined for said LIST mode format including a transition operation from display according to said LIST mode format to display according to said SELECT mode format, and a transition operation from display according to said LIST mode format to display according to said DISPLAY mode format, defined for said SELECT mode format including a transition operation from display according to said SELECT mode format to display according to said LIST mode format, and defined for said DISPLAY mode format including a transition operation from display according to said DISPLAY mode format to display according to said LIST mode format, said processor being responsive to said operator means to control said display to display a representation of a said stored screen image, and to modify said stored screen image signals corresponding to signals from said input means, input during such display, and to accept, during such display, operation selection signals from said input means, effecting selection of one of the said plurality of operations defined for said display format, said processor storing said operation selection signals, said operator means further comprising means for deriving from said modified LIST mode screen image signals together with said cursor signals, output signals defining a result relation, membership in which is defined enumeratively, means for deriving from said modified SELECT mode screen image signals together with said cursor signals, output signals defining a result relation, membership in which is defined characteristically, and means for storing said output signals in said working storage, said operator means further providing means responsive to said stored operation selection signals for providing and storing an output signal representative of said selected operation, means responsive to a said output signal representative of said transition operation from LIST to DISPLAY to provide a said DISPLAY mode indicator to said screen image defining means, means responsive to a said output signal representative of said transition operation from DISPLAY to LIST to provide a LIST mode indicator to said screen image defining means, means responsive to said output signal representative of said transition operation from LIST to SELECT to provide signals representative of said SELECT mode indicator to said screen image defining means, and means responsive to said output signal representative of said transition operation from SELECT to LIST to provide signals representative of said LIST mode indicator to said screen image defining means and to said cursor acceptance means, said cursor acceptance means being thereafter responsive to said modified cursor signals to retrieve record occurrence signals from said target.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 203 words

The data processing system of claim 1, further characterized in that said working storage further provides means for providing format signals representative of a predefined UPDATE display format, and said plurality of selectable operation defined for each of said LIST, DISPLAY and SELECT display formats includes a transition operation to display according to said UPDATE display format signals, said data processing system further providing update means responsive to said operator means output signal representing said transition to UPDATE display, and to said output signals defining a result relation, for executing said update operation on said database record occurrences, said update means providing means for accessing said UPDATE display format signals and for defining and storing screen image signals representative of an UPDATE screen image having representations of a said enumerated record occurrence and a selectable update operation performable on said record occurrence, said processor being responsive to said update means to control said display to display a representation of said stored UPDATE screen image signals and to receive and store an update operation selection signal input from said input means, said update means further providing means responsive to said stored update operation selection signal to execute said update operation on said enumerated record.occurrence.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 317 words

A data processing system having: input means providing input signals; a visual display; storage means providing signals representing a plurality of record occurrences organized as relations within a relational database; working storage; and a processor having means for controlling said visual display, for reading and writing said working storage, and for responding to said input signals, and access means for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database and for storing retrieved record occurrence signals in said working storage, characterized in having means in said working storage for providing format signals representative of a predefined display format and cursor signals representative of a cursor defined against a target comprising at least one of said relations in said database, and relational operator means for providing signals representative of a result relation, membership in said result relation being defined enumeratively and interactively through said input means, said operator means comprising: cursor acceptance means for accepting from said working storage said cursor signals, said system access means being responsive to signals from said cursor acceptance means to retrieve from said target record occurrence signals specified by said cursor; screen image defining means for accepting from said working storage said format signals, and for defining and storing screen image signals representative of a screen image, responsive to said format signals and to said stored retrieved record occurrence signals, said processor being responsive to said operator means to control said display to display a representation of said stored screen image signals, and to modify said stored screen image w signals corresponding to enumerating signals from said input mean ' s, input during such display, effecting enumeration of certain of said retrieved record occurrences, said operator further comprising means for deriving from said modified screen image signals together with said cursor signals, output signals defining a result relation, membership in which is defined enumeratively, and for storing said output signals in said working storage.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 317 words

A data processing system having: input means providing input signals; a visual display; storage means providing signals representing a plurality of record occurrences organized as relations within a relational database; working storage; and a processor having means for controlling said visual display, for reading and writing said working storage, and for responding to said input signals, and access means for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database and for storing retrieved record occurrence signals in said working storage, characterized in having means in said working storage for providing format signals representative of a predefined display format and cursor signals representative of a cursor defined against a target comprising at least one of said relations in said database, and relational operator means for providing signals representative of a result relation, membership in said result relation being defined enumeratively and interactively through said input means, said operator means comprising: cursor acceptance means for accepting from said working storage said cursor signals, said system access means being responsive to signals from said cursor acceptance means to retrieve from said target record occurrence signals specified by said cursor; screen image defining means for accepting from said working storage said format signals, and for defining and storing screen image signals representative of a screen image, responsive to said format signals and to said stored retrieved record occurrence signals, said processor being responsive to said operator means to control said display to display a representation of said stored screen image signals, and to modify said stored screen image w signals corresponding to enumerating signals from said input mean ' s, input during such display, effecting enumeration of certain of said retrieved record occurrences, said operator further comprising means for deriving from said modified screen image signals together with said cursor signals, output signals defining a result relation, membership in which is defined enumeratively, and for storing said output signals in said working storage.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 106 words

The data processing system of claim 2, further characterized in that said operator screen image defining means is further responsive to said predefined display format signals to define in said screen image representations of a plurality of selectable operations executable by said processor, said processor being responsive to said operator means to accept, during such display, operation selection signals input from said input means, effecting selection of one of said defined plurality of operations, said processor storing said operation selection signals, said operator means further providing means responsive to said stored operation selection signals for providing and storing an output signal representative of said selected operation.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 281 words

A data processing system having: input means providing input signals; a visual display; storage means providing signals representing a plurality of record occurrences organized as relations within a relational database; working storage; and a processor having means for controlling said visual display, for reading and writing said working storage, and for responding to said input signals, and access means for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database and for storing retrieved record occurrence signals in said working storage, characterized in having means in said working storage for providing format signals representative of a predefined display format, and cursor signals representative of a cursor defined against a target comprising at least one of said relations in said database, and relational operator means for providing signals representative of a result relation, membership in said result relation being defined in terms of record occurrence attributes explicitly defined in said database, said result relation being defined interactively through said input means, said operator means comprising: screen image defining means for accepting said format signals from said working storage, and for defining and storing signals representative of a screen image providing generic elements and open elements, said processor being responsive to said operator means to control said display to display a representation of said screen image, and to modify said stored screen image open elements responsive to characterizing signals from said input means, input during such display, effecting characterization of said cursor, said operator further comprising means for deriving from said modified screen image together with said cursor signals, output signals defining a modified cursor which defines a result relation, membership in which is defined characteristically, and for storing said output signals in said working storage.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 281 words

A data processing system having: input means providing input signals; a visual display; storage means providing signals representing a plurality of record occurrences organized as relations within a relational database; working storage; and a processor having means for controlling said visual display, for reading and writing said working storage, and for responding to said input signals, and access means for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database and for storing retrieved record occurrence signals in said working storage, characterized in having means in said working storage for providing format signals representative of a predefined display format, and cursor signals representative of a cursor defined against a target comprising at least one of said relations in said database, and relational operator means for providing signals representative of a result relation, membership in said result relation being defined in terms of record occurrence attributes explicitly defined in said database, said result relation being defined interactively through said input means, said operator means comprising: screen image defining means for accepting said format signals from said working storage, and for defining and storing signals representative of a screen image providing generic elements and open elements, said processor being responsive to said operator means to control said display to display a representation of said screen image, and to modify said stored screen image open elements responsive to characterizing signals from said input means, input during such display, effecting characterization of said cursor, said operator further comprising means for deriving from said modified screen image together with said cursor signals, output signals defining a modified cursor which defines a result relation, membership in which is defined characteristically, and for storing said output signals in said working storage.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 106 words

The data processing system of claim 5, further characterized in that said operator screen image defining means is further responsive to said predefined display format signals to define in said screen image representations of a plurality of selectable operations executable by said processor, said processor being responsive to said operator means to accept, during such display, operation selection signals input from said input means, effecting selection of one of said defined plurality of operations, said processor storing said operation selection signals, said operator means further providing means responsive to said stored operation selection signals for providing and storing an output signal representative of said selected operation.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 472 words

A data processing system having: input means providing input signals; a visual display; storage means providing signals representing a plurality of record occurrences organized as relations within a relational database; working storage; and a processor having means for controlling said visual display, for reading and writing said working storage, and for responding to said input signals, and access means for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database and for storing retrieved record occurrence signals in said working storage, characterized in having means in said working storage for providing format signals representative of predefined first and second mode display formats, said format signals including first and second mode indicators corresponding to said first and second mode display formats respectively; and cursor signals representative of a cursor defined against a target comprising at least one of said relations in said database; and relational operator means for providing signals representative of a result relation defined interactively through said input means, said operator means comprising: cursor acceptance means for accepting from said working storage said cursor signals, said system access means being responsive to said cursor acceptance means and to signals derived from said first mode indicator to retrieve from said target record occurrence signals specified by said cursor, screen image defining means responsive to said first mode indicator for accepting from said working storage said first mode format signals, and for defining and storing first mode screen image signals representative of a first mode screen image, responsive to said first mode format signals and to said retrieved record occurrence signals, said processor being responsive to said operator means to control said display to display a representation of said first mode screen image, and to modify said stored first mode screen image signals corresponding to enumerating signals input from said input means during such display, said screen image defining means being responsive to signals derived from said second mode indicator for accepting from said working storage said second mode format signals, and for defining and storing second mode screen image signals representative of a second mode screen image providing generic elements and open elements, said processor being responsive to said operator means to control said display to display a representation of said second mode screen image, and to modify said stored second mode screen image open elements responsive to characterizing signals input from said input means during such display, effecting characterization of said cursor, said operator means further comprising means for deriving from said modified first mode screen image signals together with said cursor signals, output signals defining a result relation, membership in which is defined enumeratively; means for. deriving from said modified second mode screen image signals together with said cursor signals, output signals defining a result relation, membership in which is defined characteristically; and means for storing said output signals in said working storage.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 472 words

A data processing system having: input means providing input signals; a visual display; storage means providing signals representing a plurality of record occurrences organized as relations within a relational database; working storage; and a processor having means for controlling said visual display, for reading and writing said working storage, and for responding to said input signals, and access means for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database and for storing retrieved record occurrence signals in said working storage, characterized in having means in said working storage for providing format signals representative of predefined first and second mode display formats, said format signals including first and second mode indicators corresponding to said first and second mode display formats respectively; and cursor signals representative of a cursor defined against a target comprising at least one of said relations in said database; and relational operator means for providing signals representative of a result relation defined interactively through said input means, said operator means comprising: cursor acceptance means for accepting from said working storage said cursor signals, said system access means being responsive to said cursor acceptance means and to signals derived from said first mode indicator to retrieve from said target record occurrence signals specified by said cursor, screen image defining means responsive to said first mode indicator for accepting from said working storage said first mode format signals, and for defining and storing first mode screen image signals representative of a first mode screen image, responsive to said first mode format signals and to said retrieved record occurrence signals, said processor being responsive to said operator means to control said display to display a representation of said first mode screen image, and to modify said stored first mode screen image signals corresponding to enumerating signals input from said input means during such display, said screen image defining means being responsive to signals derived from said second mode indicator for accepting from said working storage said second mode format signals, and for defining and storing second mode screen image signals representative of a second mode screen image providing generic elements and open elements, said processor being responsive to said operator means to control said display to display a representation of said second mode screen image, and to modify said stored second mode screen image open elements responsive to characterizing signals input from said input means during such display, effecting characterization of said cursor, said operator means further comprising means for deriving from said modified first mode screen image signals together with said cursor signals, output signals defining a result relation, membership in which is defined enumeratively; means for. deriving from said modified second mode screen image signals together with said cursor signals, output signals defining a result relation, membership in which is defined characteristically; and means for storing said output signals in said working storage.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 132 words

The data processing system of claim 7, further characterized in that said operator means screen image defining means is further responsive to said predefined display format signals to define in a said screen image, representations of a plurality of selectable operations executable by said processor, a said plurality of said selectable operations being defined for each said mode format, said processor being responsive to said operator means to accept, during such display of a said screen image, operation selection signals input from said input means, effecting selection of one of the said plurality of operations defined for said display format, said processor storing said operation selection signals, said operator means further providing means responsive to said stored operation selection signals for providing and storing an output signal representative of said selected operation.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 73 words

The data processing system of claim 8, further characterized in that said plurality of selectable operations defined for said first mode format includes a transition operation from display according to said first mode format to display according to said second mode format, said operator means further including means responsive to said output signal representative of said transition operation to provide signals representative of said second mode indicator to said screen image defining means.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 79 words

The data processing system of claim 8, further characterized in that said plurality of selectable operations defined for said second mode format includes a transition operation from display according to said second mode format to display according to said first mode format, said operator means further including means responsive to said output signal representative of said transition operation to provide signals representative of said first mode indicator to said screen image defining means and to said cursor acceptance means,

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 20 words

said cursor acceptance means being thereafter responsive to said modified cursor signals to retrieve record occurrence signals from said target.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 20 words

said cursor acceptance means being thereafter responsive to said modified cursor signals to retrieve record occurrence signals from said target.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 289 words

The data processing system of claim 3, further characterized in that said working storage provides first and second buffer locations, said format signals including signals representative of first and second mode predefined display formats, said format signals including first and second mode indicators corresponding to said first and second mode display formats respectively. and a screen limit signal associated with said first mode display format, said system access means being responsive to said cursor acceptance means and to said screen image defining means to retrieve from said target record occurrence signals specified by said cursor and to store said record occurrence signals in said first buffer location, said screen image defining means being responsive to said first mode indicator for successively moving successively retrieved said record occurrence signals from said first buffer location to said second buffer location and for controlling said system access means to retrieve further record occurrence signals until a plurality of said record occurrence signals are provided in said second buffer location, said plurality being defined by said screen limit signal, said screen image defining means being thereafter responsive to said first mode indicator for accepting from said working storage said first mode format signals, and for defining and storing screen image signals representative of a screen image, responsive to said first mode format signals and to said stored plurality of retrieved record occurrence signals in said second buffer location, said screen image defining means being responsive to said second mode indicator for accepting from said working storage said second mode format signals, and for defining and storing screen image signals representative of a screen image, responsive to said second mode format signals and to said retrieved record occurrence signals in said first buffer location.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 122 words

The data processing system of claim 11, further characterized in that said operator means screen image defining means is further responsive to said predefined display format signals to define in a said screen image, representations of a plurality of selectable operations executable by said processor, a said plurality of said selectable operations being defined for each said mode format, said processor being responsive to said operator means to accept, during such display, operation selection signals input from said input means, effecting selection of one of said defined plurality of operations, said processor storing said operation selection signals, said operator means further providing means responsive to said stored operation selection signals for providing and storing an output signal representative of said selected operation.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 186 words

The data processing system of claim 4, further characterized in that said working storage further provides means for providing format signals representative of a predefined update display format, said plurality of selectable operations including a transition to display according to said update display format signals, said data processing system further providing update means responsive to said operator means output signal representing said transition operation, and to said output signals defining a result relation, for executing said update operation on said database record occurrences, said update means providing means for accessing said update display format signals and for defining and storing screen image signals representative of a screen image having representations of a said enumerated record occurrence and a selectable update operation performabe on said record occurrence, said processor being responsive to said update means to control said display to display a representation of said stored screen image signals and to receive and store an update operation selection signal input from said input means, said update means further providing means responsive to-said stored update operation selection signal to execute said update operation on said enumerated record occurrence.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 340 words

The data processing system of claim 4, further characterized in that said format signals include signals representative of first and second mode predefined display formats, said format signals including first and second mode indicators corresponding to said first and second mode display formats respectively, said screen image defining means being responsive to said first mode indicator for accepting from said working storage said first mode format signals, and for defining and storing screen image signals representative of a screen image, responsive to said first mode format signals and to said stored retrieved record occurrences, said screen image defining means being responsive to said second mode indicator for accepting from said working storage said second mode format signal, and for defining and storing screen image signals representative of a screen image, responsive to said second mode format signals and said stored retrieved record occurrences, said sacreen image defining means being further responsive to said predefined display format signals to define in a said screen image, representations of a plurality of selectable operations executable by said processor, a said plurality of said selectable operations being defined for each said mode format, said plurality of selectable operations for said first mode format Including a transition operation from display according to said first mode format to display according to said second mode format, said plurality of selectable operations for second mode format including a transition operation from display according to said second mode format to display according to said first mode format, said processor being responsive to said operator means to accept, during such display, operation selection signals input from said input means, effecting selection of one of said defined plurality of operations, said processor storing said operation selection signals, said operator means further providing means responsive to said stored operation selection signals for providing and storing an output signal representative of said selected operation, said operator means further providing means responsive to a said stored transition operation selection output signal to provide a corresponding said mode indicator to said screen image defining means.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 236 words

A data processing system having: input means providing input signals; a visual display; storage means providing working storage and database storage; and a processor having means for controlling said visual display, means for reading and writing said storage means, means for responding to said input signals, and access means for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database storage and for storing retrieved record occurrence signals in said working storage, characterized in having means in said working storage for providing format signals representative of a predefined display format data structure means in said database storage for providing description signals representative of a description data structure describing a data dictionary for describing the elements of a relational database, said description data structure being modeled as relations in a relational database, and interactive and nonprocedural data dictionary defining means for controlling said display to display elements comprising representations of record occurrences retrieved from said description data structure signals and representations of selectable operations, in a format derived from said display format data structure signals, accepting from said input means, input signals representing element enumeration, characters, and operation selection, and allotating storage within said database storage and placing therein signals representative of a data dictionary data structure responsive to said description data structure and to said input signals, said data dictionary data structure being modeled as relations in a relational database and being descriptive of a particular other relational database.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 236 words

A data processing system having: input means providing input signals; a visual display; storage means providing working storage and database storage; and a processor having means for controlling said visual display, means for reading and writing said storage means, means for responding to said input signals, and access means for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database storage and for storing retrieved record occurrence signals in said working storage, characterized in having means in said working storage for providing format signals representative of a predefined display format data structure means in said database storage for providing description signals representative of a description data structure describing a data dictionary for describing the elements of a relational database, said description data structure being modeled as relations in a relational database, and interactive and nonprocedural data dictionary defining means for controlling said display to display elements comprising representations of record occurrences retrieved from said description data structure signals and representations of selectable operations, in a format derived from said display format data structure signals, accepting from said input means, input signals representing element enumeration, characters, and operation selection, and allotating storage within said database storage and placing therein signals representative of a data dictionary data structure responsive to said description data structure and to said input signals, said data dictionary data structure being modeled as relations in a relational database and being descriptive of a particular other relational database.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 250 words

The data processing system of claim 15, further characterized in having means in said working storage for providing cursor signals representative of a cursor defined against a target comprising at least one of said relations in said description data structure, said data dictionary defining means comprising relational operator means for providing signals representative of a result relation, membership in said result relation being defined enumeratively and interactively through said input means, said operator means comprising: cursor acceptance means for accepting from said working storage said cursor signals, said system access means being responsive to signals from said cursor acceptance means to retrieve from said target description data structure record occurrence signals specified by said cursor; screen image defining means for accepting from said working storage said format signals, and for defining and storing in said working storage screen image signals representative of a screen image, responsive to said format signals and to said stereo retrieved record occurrence signals, said procaessor being responsive to said operator means to control said display to display a representation of said stored screen image signals, and to modify said stored screen image signals corresponding to enumerating signals from said input means, input during such display, effecting enumeration of certain of said retrieved record occurrences, said operator means further comprising means for deriving from said modified screen image signals together with said cursor signals, output signals defining a result relation, membership in which is defined enumeratively, and for storing said output signals in said working storage.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 107 words

The data processing system of claim 16, further characterized in that said operator screen image defining means is further responsive to said predefined display format signals to define in said screen image representations of a plurality of selectable operations executable by said processor, said processor being responsive to said operator means to accept, during such display, said operation selection signals input from said input means, effecting selection of one of said defined plurality of operations, said processor storing said operation selection signals, said operator means further providing means responsive to said stored operation selection signals for providing and storing an output signal representative of said selection operation.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 240 words

A data processing system having: input means providing input signals; a visual display; storage means providing working storage and database storage; and a processor having means for controlling said visual display, means for reading and writing said storage means, means for responding to said input signals, and access means for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database storage and for storing retrieved record occurrence signals in said working storage, characterized in having means in said working storage for 'providing format signals representative of a predefined display format data structure and a predefined archetype display format data structure, means in said database storage for providing data dictionary signals representative of a data dictionary describing the elements of a particular relational database, said data dictionary being modeled as relations in a relational database, interactive and nonprocedural screen-file defining means for controlling said display to display elements comprising representations of record occurrences retrieved from said data dictionary signals and representations of selectable operations, in a format derived from said display format data structure signals, accepting from said input means, input signals representing element enumeration, characters, and operation selection, and allocating storage within said working storage and placing therein signals representative of a screen-file data structure responsive to said data dictionary signals, said archetype display format signals, and said input signals, said screen-file data structure comprising predefined format signals representative of formats for the display of record occurrences retrieved from the particular relational database.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 240 words

A data processing system having: input means providing input signals; a visual display; storage means providing working storage and database storage; and a processor having means for controlling said visual display, means for reading and writing said storage means, means for responding to said input signals, and access means for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database storage and for storing retrieved record occurrence signals in said working storage, characterized in having means in said working storage for 'providing format signals representative of a predefined display format data structure and a predefined archetype display format data structure, means in said database storage for providing data dictionary signals representative of a data dictionary describing the elements of a particular relational database, said data dictionary being modeled as relations in a relational database, interactive and nonprocedural screen-file defining means for controlling said display to display elements comprising representations of record occurrences retrieved from said data dictionary signals and representations of selectable operations, in a format derived from said display format data structure signals, accepting from said input means, input signals representing element enumeration, characters, and operation selection, and allocating storage within said working storage and placing therein signals representative of a screen-file data structure responsive to said data dictionary signals, said archetype display format signals, and said input signals, said screen-file data structure comprising predefined format signals representative of formats for the display of record occurrences retrieved from the particular relational database.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 371 words

A data processing system having: input means providing input signals; a visual display; storage means providing working storage and database storage; and a processor having means for controlling said visual display, means for reading and writing said storage means, means for responding to said input signals, and ' access means for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database storage and for storing retrieved record occurrence signals in said working storage, characterized in having means in said working storage for providing format signals representative of a predefined definition display format data structure, a predefined builder display format data structure, and a predefined archetype display format data structure, means in said database storage for providing description signals representative of a description data structure describing a data dictionary for describing the elements of a relational database, said description data structure being modeled as relations in a relational database, and interactive and nonprocedural data dictionary defining means for controlling said display to display elements comprising representations of record occurrences retrieved from said description data structure signals and representations of selectable operations, in a format derived from said definition display format data structure signals, accepting from said input means, input signals representing element enumeration, characters, and operation selection, and allocating storage within said database storage and placing therein signals representative of a data dictionary data structure responsive to said description data structure and to said input signals, said data dictionary data structure being modeled as relations in a relational database, and being descriptive of a particular other relational database, said system further having interactive and nonprocedural screen-file defining means for controlling said display to display elements comprising representations of record occurrences retrieved from said data dictionary signals and representations of selectable operations, in a format derived from said builder display format data structure signals, accepting from said input means, further input signals representing element enumeration, characters, and operation selection, and allocating storage within said working storage and placing therein signals representative of a screen-file data structure responsive to said data dictionary signals, said archetype display format signals, and said further input signals, said screen-file data structure comprising predefined format signals representative of formats for the display of record occurrences retrieved from the particular other relational database.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 371 words

A data processing system having: input means providing input signals; a visual display; storage means providing working storage and database storage; and a processor having means for controlling said visual display, means for reading and writing said storage means, means for responding to said input signals, and ' access means for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database storage and for storing retrieved record occurrence signals in said working storage, characterized in having means in said working storage for providing format signals representative of a predefined definition display format data structure, a predefined builder display format data structure, and a predefined archetype display format data structure, means in said database storage for providing description signals representative of a description data structure describing a data dictionary for describing the elements of a relational database, said description data structure being modeled as relations in a relational database, and interactive and nonprocedural data dictionary defining means for controlling said display to display elements comprising representations of record occurrences retrieved from said description data structure signals and representations of selectable operations, in a format derived from said definition display format data structure signals, accepting from said input means, input signals representing element enumeration, characters, and operation selection, and allocating storage within said database storage and placing therein signals representative of a data dictionary data structure responsive to said description data structure and to said input signals, said data dictionary data structure being modeled as relations in a relational database, and being descriptive of a particular other relational database, said system further having interactive and nonprocedural screen-file defining means for controlling said display to display elements comprising representations of record occurrences retrieved from said data dictionary signals and representations of selectable operations, in a format derived from said builder display format data structure signals, accepting from said input means, further input signals representing element enumeration, characters, and operation selection, and allocating storage within said working storage and placing therein signals representative of a screen-file data structure responsive to said data dictionary signals, said archetype display format signals, and said further input signals, said screen-file data structure comprising predefined format signals representative of formats for the display of record occurrences retrieved from the particular other relational database.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 250 words

The data processing system of claim 18, further characterized in having means in said working storage for providing cursor signals representative of a cursor defined against a target comprising at least one of said relations in said data dictionary data structure, said screen-file defining means comprising relational operator means for providing signals representative of a result relation, membership in said result relation being defined enumeratively and interactively through said input means, said operator means comprising: cursor acceptance means for accepting from said working storage said cursor signals, said system access means being responsive to signals from said cursor acceptance means to retrieve from said target description data structure record occurrence signals specified by said cursor; screen image defining means for accepting from said working storage said format signals, and for defining and storing in said working storage screen image signals representative of a screen image, responsive to said format signals and to said stored retrieved record occurrence signals, said processor being responsive to said operator means to control said display to display a representation of said stored screen image signals, and to modify said stored screen image signals corresponding to enumerating signals from said input means, input during such display, effecting enumeration of certain of said retrieved record occurrences, said operator means further comprising means for deriving from said modified screen image signals together with said cursor signals, output signals defining a result relation, membership in which is defined enumeratively, and for storing said output signals in said working storage.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 105 words

The data processing system of claim 20, further characterized in that said operator screen image defining means is further responsive to said predefined display format signals to define in said screen image representations of a plurality of selectable operations executable by said processor, said processor being responsive to said operator means to accept, during such display, said operation selection signals input from said input means, effecting selection of one of said defined plurality of operations, satd processor storing said operation selection signals, said operator means further providing means responsive to said-stored operation selection-signal for providing and storing an output signal representative of said selection operation.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 359 words

In a data processing system having: input means providing input signals; a visual display; storage means providing working storage and database storage, said database storage providing signals representative of the record occurrences comprising a particular relational database; and a processor having means for controlling said visual display, means for reading and writing said storage means, means for responding to said input signals, and access means for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database storage and for storing retrieved record occurrence signals in said working storage, interactive and nonprocedural means for maintaining said particular relational database, comprising means in said working storage for providing signals representative of a screen-file data structure comprising predefined format signals representative of formats for the display of record occurrences retrieved from the particular relational database, and for providing cursor signals representative of a cursor defined against a target comprising at least one of said relations in said particular relational database, and relational operator means for providing signals representative of a result relation, membership in said result relation being defined enumeratively and interactively through said input means, said operator means comprising: cursor acceptance means for accepting from said working storage said cursor signals, said system acces ' s means being responsive to signals from said cursor acceptance means to retrieve from said target retation record occurrence signals specified by said cursor; screen image defining means for accepting from said working storage said format signals, and for defining and storing in said working storage screen image signals representative of a screen image, responsive to said format signals and to said stored retrieved record occurrence signals, said processor being responsive to said operator means to control said display to display a representation of said stored screen image signals, and to modify said stored screen image signals corresponding to enumerating signals from said input means, input during such display, effecting enumeration of certain of said retrieved record occurrences, said operator means further comprising means for deriving from said modified screen image signals together with said cursor signals, output signals defining a result relation, membership in which is defined enumeratively, and for storing said output signals in said working storage.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 359 words

In a data processing system having: input means providing input signals; a visual display; storage means providing working storage and database storage, said database storage providing signals representative of the record occurrences comprising a particular relational database; and a processor having means for controlling said visual display, means for reading and writing said storage means, means for responding to said input signals, and access means for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database storage and for storing retrieved record occurrence signals in said working storage, interactive and nonprocedural means for maintaining said particular relational database, comprising means in said working storage for providing signals representative of a screen-file data structure comprising predefined format signals representative of formats for the display of record occurrences retrieved from the particular relational database, and for providing cursor signals representative of a cursor defined against a target comprising at least one of said relations in said particular relational database, and relational operator means for providing signals representative of a result relation, membership in said result relation being defined enumeratively and interactively through said input means, said operator means comprising: cursor acceptance means for accepting from said working storage said cursor signals, said system acces ' s means being responsive to signals from said cursor acceptance means to retrieve from said target retation record occurrence signals specified by said cursor; screen image defining means for accepting from said working storage said format signals, and for defining and storing in said working storage screen image signals representative of a screen image, responsive to said format signals and to said stored retrieved record occurrence signals, said processor being responsive to said operator means to control said display to display a representation of said stored screen image signals, and to modify said stored screen image signals corresponding to enumerating signals from said input means, input during such display, effecting enumeration of certain of said retrieved record occurrences, said operator means further comprising means for deriving from said modified screen image signals together with said cursor signals, output signals defining a result relation, membership in which is defined enumeratively, and for storing said output signals in said working storage.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 191 words

Method of retrieving from a destination relation in a stored relational database, signals representing record occurrences related to a record occurrence of a starting relation, said method comprising providing, for a relationship between particular relations in said database, stored signals representing relationship attributes including a specification of a relationship field common to said particular relations, accessing, responsive to selection of a starting particular relation and a relationship in which said starting relation participates, said stored relationship attribute signals, generating, responsive to said relationship attributes, generic cursor signals representing a generic cursor defined against the other particular relation as a destination relation, storing said generic cursor signals in working storage, copying, responsive to a signal representing selection by an operator of a particular record occurrence in the starting relation and to an operation selection signal from the operator, values of said specified relationship field from said particular record occurrence to locations in said generic cursor to form a completed cursor, accessing in said stored database, responsive to said completed cursor, destination relation record occurrence signals defined by said completed cursor, and storing said accessed destination relation record occurrence signals in working storage.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 191 words

Method of retrieving from a destination relation in a stored relational database, signals representing record occurrences related to a record occurrence of a starting relation, said method comprising providing, for a relationship between particular relations in said database, stored signals representing relationship attributes including a specification of a relationship field common to said particular relations, accessing, responsive to selection of a starting particular relation and a relationship in which said starting relation participates, said stored relationship attribute signals, generating, responsive to said relationship attributes, generic cursor signals representing a generic cursor defined against the other particular relation as a destination relation, storing said generic cursor signals in working storage, copying, responsive to a signal representing selection by an operator of a particular record occurrence in the starting relation and to an operation selection signal from the operator, values of said specified relationship field from said particular record occurrence to locations in said generic cursor to form a completed cursor, accessing in said stored database, responsive to said completed cursor, destination relation record occurrence signals defined by said completed cursor, and storing said accessed destination relation record occurrence signals in working storage.

Claim 35

Independent Claim 35 words

The method ofclainr23, further comprise the step of displaying representations of said stored destination relation record occurrence signals together with representations of a plurality of selectable operations performable with respect to destination relation record occurrences.

Claim 36

Independent Claim 35 words

The method ofclainr23, further comprise the step of displaying representations of said stored destination relation record occurrence signals together with representations of a plurality of selectable operations performable with respect to destination relation record occurrences.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 209 words

Record retrieval means for retrieving from a destination relation in a stored relational database, signals representing record occurrences related to a record occurrence of a starting relation, said means comprising storage means for providing, for a relationship between particular relations in said database, stored attribute signals representing relationship attributes including a specification of a relationship field common to said particular relations, means for accessing, responsive to selection of a starting particular relation and a relationship in which said starting relation participates, said stored relationship attribute signals, means for generating, responsive to said relationship attributes, generic cursor signals representing a generic cursor defined against the other particular relation as a destination relation, means for storing said generic cursor signals in working storage, means for copying, responsive to a signal representing selection by an operator of a particular record occurrence in the starting relation and to an operation selection signal from the operator, values of said specified relationship field from said particular record occurrence to locations in said generic cursor to form a completed cursor, means for accessing in said stored database, responsive to said completed cursor, destination relation record occurrence signals defined by said completed cursor, and means for storing said accessed destination relation record occurrence signals in working storage.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 209 words

Record retrieval means for retrieving from a destination relation in a stored relational database, signals representing record occurrences related to a record occurrence of a starting relation, said means comprising storage means for providing, for a relationship between particular relations in said database, stored attribute signals representing relationship attributes including a specification of a relationship field common to said particular relations, means for accessing, responsive to selection of a starting particular relation and a relationship in which said starting relation participates, said stored relationship attribute signals, means for generating, responsive to said relationship attributes, generic cursor signals representing a generic cursor defined against the other particular relation as a destination relation, means for storing said generic cursor signals in working storage, means for copying, responsive to a signal representing selection by an operator of a particular record occurrence in the starting relation and to an operation selection signal from the operator, values of said specified relationship field from said particular record occurrence to locations in said generic cursor to form a completed cursor, means for accessing in said stored database, responsive to said completed cursor, destination relation record occurrence signals defined by said completed cursor, and means for storing said accessed destination relation record occurrence signals in working storage.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 38 words

The record retrieval means of claim 25, further comprising means for displaying representations of said stored destination relation record occurrence signals together with representations of a plurality of selectable operations performable with respect to destination relation record occurrences.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 229 words

The record retrieval means of claim 25, said storage means further providing, for a relation in said database, stored descriptor signals comprising a relation name, and a relationship identifier signal for each relationship in which said relation participates, said relationship identifier signal being an index to said stored attribute signals for the corresponding said relationship, said stored attribute signals further comprising name signals representing names of the particular relations related by the relationship, said record retrieval means further comprising means for controlling an initial display of names of relations in said database, means for accessing, responsive to operator selection of a starting relation name during said initial display, a corresponding said relationship identifier signal in said descriptor signals, said means for accessing said stored relationship attribute signals being responsive to said accessed relationship identifier signal for accessing appropriate said stored relationship attribute signals, means for controlling a next display, responsive to said accessed attribute signals, of a representation of the name of a particular relation related to said starting relation, means for deriving, responsive to operator selection of a represented said particular relation name as a destination relation during said next display, the said attribute identifier for the relationship between said starting and destination relations, means for accessing said relationship attribute signals, responsive to said derived attribute identifer, said means for generating being responsive to said accessed attribute signals.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 167 words

The record retrieval means of claim 27, said storage means further providing stored format signals representing a modifiable run-time display format for display of representations of selectable starting relation record occurrences, and selectable operation names, and associated stored control signals for each said selectable operation, said stbred attribute sigmals further comprising a name of said relationship, said record retrieval means further comprising means for modifying, responsive to said operator selection of a said starting relation during said next display, said stored format signals to represent an additional selectable operation identified by said relationship name, means for generating, responsive to said operator selection of a said destination relation, control signals associated with said additional selectable operation and comprising a cursor index to said stored generic cursor signals, and means for storing said generated control signals, said means for copying being responsive during display according to said run-time format signals to operator selection of a starting relation record occurrence and of said relationship name, to access said cursor index.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 112 words

The record retrieval means of claim 28, said stored attribute signals further comprising status specification signals specifying parent or child relationship status of each said particular relation related by the relationship, and representations of an ascend relationship name and a descend relationship name, said record retrieval means further comprising name selection means responsive to said status specification signals for accessing said relationship ascend name for display with record occurrences of a starting relation having relationship child status, and for accessing said relationship descend name for display with record occurences of a starting relation having relationship parent status, said means for modifying said stored format signals being responsive to said name selection means.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 100 words

In a data dictionary definition means, relationship naming means comprising name signal generating means for forming, responsive to input relationship definition signals, signals representing default ascend and descend names of a relationship, means for storing said default name signals in attribute storage corresponding to said relationship, means for controlling the display of representations of said default relationship names, means for accepting operator input signals for modifying such display, and means for forming modified name signals representing modified relationship ascend and descend names, responsive to said operator input signals, and means for storing said modified name signals in said attribute, storage.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 100 words

In a data dictionary definition means, relationship naming means comprising name signal generating means for forming, responsive to input relationship definition signals, signals representing default ascend and descend names of a relationship, means for storing said default name signals in attribute storage corresponding to said relationship, means for controlling the display of representations of said default relationship names, means for accepting operator input signals for modifying such display, and means for forming modified name signals representing modified relationship ascend and descend names, responsive to said operator input signals, and means for storing said modified name signals in said attribute, storage.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 410 words

31 For use in a relational database management system, interactive error-handling means, comprising display means and input means, storage means providing: record occurrence signals comprising record occurrences in a relational database; status signals; currency signals; format signals; and message file signals representing the characters of displayable error messages; and providing means defining an operation buffer and first and second record occurrence buffers, calling means, operation means, and fetch means, said operation means comprising: means responsive to an operation call signal for validating an operation selected to be performed with respect to record occurrence signals in said second record occurrence buffer and providing an output signal having one of two values, said values representing valid and invalid conditions, means responsive to a said invalid condition value of said output signal for generating corresponding status invalid signals, and providing an operation return signal, means responsive to a said valid condition value of said output signal for performing said selected operation with respect to said record occurrence signals, and providing an operation return signal, said fetch means comprising: noninteractive means responsive to a fetch call signal, a noninteractive condition, and said currency signals for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database, for placing said retrieved signals into said first and second buffers, for incrementing said currency signals, and for providing a fetch return signal, and interactive means responsive to a fetch call signal and an interactive condition signal, and comprising means responsive to said status valid signals and to said currency signals for retrieving said record occurrence signals from said database, and for copying said retrieved signals into said first and second buffers, and means responsive to said status invalid signals for copying said record occurrence signals from said first to said second buffer, and module display/means responsive to said format signals and to means said signals in said second buffer for controlling said display/to display a representation of said record occurrence, and responsive to operator input signals from said input means, for placing an operation selection signal in said operation buffer, and providing a fetch return signal, module said displaylmeans being further responsive to said status invalid signals and said message signals for displaying representations of a said error message with said record occurrence representation, and said calling means being responsive to said operation return signal and to said status invalid signal for providing a fetch means call signal, and responsive to said fetch return signal for providing an operation call signal.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 410 words

31 For use in a relational database management system, interactive error-handling means, comprising display means and input means, storage means providing: record occurrence signals comprising record occurrences in a relational database; status signals; currency signals; format signals; and message file signals representing the characters of displayable error messages; and providing means defining an operation buffer and first and second record occurrence buffers, calling means, operation means, and fetch means, said operation means comprising: means responsive to an operation call signal for validating an operation selected to be performed with respect to record occurrence signals in said second record occurrence buffer and providing an output signal having one of two values, said values representing valid and invalid conditions, means responsive to a said invalid condition value of said output signal for generating corresponding status invalid signals, and providing an operation return signal, means responsive to a said valid condition value of said output signal for performing said selected operation with respect to said record occurrence signals, and providing an operation return signal, said fetch means comprising: noninteractive means responsive to a fetch call signal, a noninteractive condition, and said currency signals for retrieving record occurrence signals from said database, for placing said retrieved signals into said first and second buffers, for incrementing said currency signals, and for providing a fetch return signal, and interactive means responsive to a fetch call signal and an interactive condition signal, and comprising means responsive to said status valid signals and to said currency signals for retrieving said record occurrence signals from said database, and for copying said retrieved signals into said first and second buffers, and means responsive to said status invalid signals for copying said record occurrence signals from said first to said second buffer, and module display/means responsive to said format signals and to means said signals in said second buffer for controlling said display/to display a representation of said record occurrence, and responsive to operator input signals from said input means, for placing an operation selection signal in said operation buffer, and providing a fetch return signal, module said displaylmeans being further responsive to said status invalid signals and said message signals for displaying representations of a said error message with said record occurrence representation, and said calling means being responsive to said operation return signal and to said status invalid signal for providing a fetch means call signal, and responsive to said fetch return signal for providing an operation call signal.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 25 words

'The error-handling means of claim 31, wherein said display means is further responsive to operator input signals to modify said signals in said second buffer.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 71 words

The error-handling means of claim 31, wherein said fetch means further comprises condition means responsive to a format identifier signal, to a first value of a condition parameter signal, and to said status invalid signal to provide a said interactive condition signal, and responsive to a format identifier signal, to a first value of a condition parameter signal, and to said status valid signal to provide a said noninteractive condition signal.

Relational database management system

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