US5727196A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optimized query interface for database management systems
Assignee: Borland Software Corp
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Filing: 1992-05-21
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Granted: 1998-03-10
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Expires: 2012-05-21
Abstract
Abstract A database management system of the present invention includes a computer having a memory and a processor, a database for storing information in the memory as field values in a record, an indexing component for referencing a plurality of records by a value of the field(s), an input device for selecting desired records by entering a range of values corresponding to the field(s) (indexed on), and a component for accessing the desired records as an order set, where only records having a value within said range are included within the set. System and methods are also described for optimizing the access of information from the database management system.
Inventors
- 👤 Irvin Richard Strauss, Jr.
- 👤 Lam H. Thai
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 21:02
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F16/00; G06F16/20; G06F16/24; G06F16/245; G06F16/2455; G06F16/24553; G06F16/24554; G06F16/24557; G06F16/2453; G06F16/24534; G06F16/24542; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S707/00; Y10S707/99931; Y10S707/99932
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
207 words
A method for optimizing the access of information stored in a database file, the method comprising: (a) entering a query condition; and (b) accessing information satisfying said query condition by any one of: (1) if a pre-existing index satisfies the query condition, accessing the information by using the preexisting index; (2) if an index defining a range of records exists, accessing the information by using the index defining a range of records and the condition; (3) if at least one pre-existing index is available and if the query condition specifies a range of information, accessing the information by using a second index based on said pre-existing index and said range; (4) if the database file is below a pre-selected size, accessing the information by filtering records not meeting the condition as they are accessed; (5) if an index satisfying the query condition can be created, accessing the information by creating and referencing the index; (6) if the query condition specifies a range of information and if an index defining the range can be created, accessing the information by creating and referencing the index defining the range; and (7) if (1)-(6) are not possible, accessing the information by filtering records not meeting the condition as they are accessed.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
207 words
A method for optimizing the access of information stored in a database file, the method comprising: (a) entering a query condition; and (b) accessing information satisfying said query condition by any one of: (1) if a pre-existing index satisfies the query condition, accessing the information by using the preexisting index; (2) if an index defining a range of records exists, accessing the information by using the index defining a range of records and the condition; (3) if at least one pre-existing index is available and if the query condition specifies a range of information, accessing the information by using a second index based on said pre-existing index and said range; (4) if the database file is below a pre-selected size, accessing the information by filtering records not meeting the condition as they are accessed; (5) if an index satisfying the query condition can be created, accessing the information by creating and referencing the index; (6) if the query condition specifies a range of information and if an index defining the range can be created, accessing the information by creating and referencing the index defining the range; and (7) if (1)-(6) are not possible, accessing the information by filtering records not meeting the condition as they are accessed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein step (a) includes entering a query condition into selected fields of a query form.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1, wherein step (a) includes the substep: if the query condition specifies a grouping or a sort order, and if an index satisfying the grouping or sort order can be created, accessing the information by creating and referencing the index.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for optimizing the access of information stored in a database file, the method comprising: (a) entering a query condition; and (b) accessing the specified information by any one of: (1) referencing an index if one satisfying the query condition exists or can be created; (2) referencing an index if one defining a range of records exists or can be created; and (3) filtering records not meeting the condition as they are accessed if (1) and (2) are not possible, or if the database file is below a pre-selected size.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for optimizing the access of information stored in a database file, the method comprising: (a) entering a query condition; and (b) accessing the specified information by any one of: (1) referencing an index if one satisfying the query condition exists or can be created; (2) referencing an index if one defining a range of records exists or can be created; and (3) filtering records not meeting the condition as they are accessed if (1) and (2) are not possible, or if the database file is below a pre-selected size.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 4, wherein in step (b) an index defining a range of records exists if at least one index is available and if the query condition specifies a range of information referenced by said available at least one index.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 4, wherein in step (b) an index defining a range of records can be created if the query condition specifies a range of information and an index defining said range can be created.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-03-09 | 2001-09-08 | 2002-03-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-03-09 | 2005-09-08 | 2006-03-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-03-09 | 2009-09-08 | 2010-03-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |