US5561740A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and system for providing multiple instances in a single multiple-instance object
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1994-12-13
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Granted: 1996-10-01
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Expires: 2014-12-13
Abstract
Abstract A method and system for providing representation of multiple entities in a single multiple-instance object is disclosed and provides a powerful and economical way of representing objects in an object oriented knowledge based data processing system. A multiple-instance object contains slots and slot values which enable the access and modification of all entities represented by the multiple-instance object. The instance unique data, the context which defines an instance state, and the procedure to instantiate the multiple-instance object are all stored in the multiple-instance object. The processing or reasoning of the knowledge based system occurs as though objects exist for entities represented.
Inventors
- 👤 Kevin L. Barrett
- 👤 Ajit T. Dingankar
- 👤 Tien N. Le
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 20:09
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F16/00; G06F16/20; G06F16/28; G06F16/289
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
In a computer system operating under an object oriented environment, a method for providing a plurality of instances in a single object, comprising the steps of: providing a slot for all instances having a common value within said single object; providing a multiple-instance object (MIO) slot, within said single object, for each slot having a different value or different instances; defining a different entity contact of a multiple-instance object by use of a multiple-instance object (MIO) key.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
In a computer system operating under an object oriented environment, a method for providing a plurality of instances in a single object, comprising the steps of: providing a slot for all instances having a common value within said single object; providing a multiple-instance object (MIO) slot, within said single object, for each slot having a different value or different instances; defining a different entity contact of a multiple-instance object by use of a multiple-instance object (MIO) key.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said multiple-instance object key describes a specific state to instantiate said object.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 2 wherein said MIO key references to another slot in said object.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method according to claim 2 wherein said MIO key references to a slot in a different object.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 2 wherein said MIO key references to a method that returns said MIO key.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method according to claim 1 further comprising the steps of: assigning said MIO key to an index value; representing said index value as a particular slot; storing a unique value associated with an MIO slot as an indexed data structure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 6, wherein said MIO key is indexed into an association list.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
123 words
In a computer system operating in an object oriented environment, a method for accessing slots within a multiple-instance object, comprising the steps of: determining whether an MIO demon function is attached to a referenced slot; determining whether an MIO key facet on said referenced slot is set; if said MIO key facet is set, obtaining said MIO key from said referenced slot MIO key facet; if said MIO key facet is not set, obtaining said MIO key from an MIO key slot within a referenced object; evaluating said MIO key; obtaining an instance value by use of said MIO key to index into said referenced slot's corresponding MIO slot; placing said instance value in said referenced slot; and returning said referenced slot value.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
123 words
In a computer system operating in an object oriented environment, a method for accessing slots within a multiple-instance object, comprising the steps of: determining whether an MIO demon function is attached to a referenced slot; determining whether an MIO key facet on said referenced slot is set; if said MIO key facet is set, obtaining said MIO key from said referenced slot MIO key facet; if said MIO key facet is not set, obtaining said MIO key from an MIO key slot within a referenced object; evaluating said MIO key; obtaining an instance value by use of said MIO key to index into said referenced slot's corresponding MIO slot; placing said instance value in said referenced slot; and returning said referenced slot value.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
118 words
In a computer system operating in an object oriented environment, a method for modifying slots within a multiple-instance object, comprising the steps of: determining whether an MIO demon function is attached to a referenced slot; determining whether an MIO key facet is on said referenced slot; if said MIO key facet is set, obtaining said MIO key from said referenced slot MIO key facet; if said MIO key facet is not set, obtaining said MIO key from an MIO key slot within a referenced object; evaluating said MIO key; placing a new value into said referenced slot's corresponding MIO slot by way of said MIO key as an index; and placing said new value in said referenced slot.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
118 words
In a computer system operating in an object oriented environment, a method for modifying slots within a multiple-instance object, comprising the steps of: determining whether an MIO demon function is attached to a referenced slot; determining whether an MIO key facet is on said referenced slot; if said MIO key facet is set, obtaining said MIO key from said referenced slot MIO key facet; if said MIO key facet is not set, obtaining said MIO key from an MIO key slot within a referenced object; evaluating said MIO key; placing a new value into said referenced slot's corresponding MIO slot by way of said MIO key as an index; and placing said new value in said referenced slot.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-10-01 | 2000-04-01 | 2000-10-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-10-01 | 2004-04-01 | 2004-10-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-10-01 | 2008-04-01 | 2008-10-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |