US6578028B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
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SQL query generator utilizing matrix structures
Assignee: Decode Genetics ehf
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Filing: 2002-01-14
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Granted: 2003-06-10
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Expires: 2022-01-14
Abstract
Abstract A graphical SQL query generator and query operators are disclosed. The query tool embeds matrix objects that are used for building and transforming SQL based queries, views, data cubes and other relations including “virtual” or calculated relations. The matrix objects trace the structure of a relation to its source data and thereby make the structure of complex multilayered database queries transparent to the end-user. The methods are especially useful in data warehousing where the buildup of fact tables in star or other schemas needs to be transparent to the user. Thus, a system is disclosed that is able to quickly reveal how data warehousing schemas and relations in SQL and similar relational type databases evolve from source data and each other into more complicated structures. It supports the creation and maintenance of complex database structures such as scientific studies and other decision support structures as well as simplifying ad-hoc querying of SQL databases. The methods disclosed are used to implement a more transparent and yet powerful relational algebra on top of the standard SQL relational algebra used in most SQL databases.
Inventors
- 👤 Ágúst Sverrir Egilsson
- 👤 Hákon Gudbjartsson
- 👤 Styrmir Sigurjónsson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 12:35
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F16/00; G06F16/20; G06F16/24; G06F16/242; G06F16/2433; G06F16/2448; G06F16/2423; G06F16/28; G06F16/283; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S707/00; Y10S707/99931; Y10S707/99932; Y10S707/99933; Y10S707/99935; Y10S707/99941; Y10S707/99943; Y10S707/99944
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
A query definition system for implementing relational algebra in a relational database, the system comprising: (a) means for associating with a relation definition a dependency matrix containing entries representing dependencies between said relation and its subparts, each subpart representing another relation; and (b) means for displaying, on a display device, structural information about said relation using the columns and rows and values from said dependency matrix; and (c) means for modifying said relation by transforming its dependency matrix by applying an operator to the structure of said relation, said operator comprising at least one of: a depth-of-field operator, and a blowup operator.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
A query definition system for implementing relational algebra in a relational database, the system comprising: (a) means for associating with a relation definition a dependency matrix containing entries representing dependencies between said relation and its subparts, each subpart representing another relation; and (b) means for displaying, on a display device, structural information about said relation using the columns and rows and values from said dependency matrix; and (c) means for modifying said relation by transforming its dependency matrix by applying an operator to the structure of said relation, said operator comprising at least one of: a depth-of-field operator, and a blowup operator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 1 , further including means for implementing a drill down algorithm by displaying, upon request, one or more dependency matrices associated with at least some of said subparts, thereby, quickly revealing the detailed structure of said relation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 1 , further including means for creating, editing or modifying query or named table variable definitions stored by a database system by editing the entries and structure of their corresponding dependency matrices.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 3 , wherein the structure and entries of said dependency matrices and other associated query attributes are used to generate statements adhering to an SQL relational database standard.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the structure and entries of said dependency matrices and other associated query attributes are generated from query definitions adhering to an SQL relational database standard.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 1 , further including means for creating, editing or modifying relation definitions, including calculated relations, by editing the entries and structure of their corresponding dependency matrices.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
94 words
A query definition method for implementing relational algebra in a relational database, comprising: (a) associating with a relation definition a dependency matrix containing entries representing dependencies between said relation and its subparts, each subpart representing another relation; and (b) displaying, on a display device, structural information about said relation using the columns and rows and values from said dependency matrix; and (c) modifying said relation by transforming its dependency matrix by applying an operator to the structure of said relation, said operator comprising at least one of: a depth-of-field operator, and a blowup operator.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
94 words
A query definition method for implementing relational algebra in a relational database, comprising: (a) associating with a relation definition a dependency matrix containing entries representing dependencies between said relation and its subparts, each subpart representing another relation; and (b) displaying, on a display device, structural information about said relation using the columns and rows and values from said dependency matrix; and (c) modifying said relation by transforming its dependency matrix by applying an operator to the structure of said relation, said operator comprising at least one of: a depth-of-field operator, and a blowup operator.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 7 , further including implementing a drill down algorithm by displaying, upon request, one or more dependency matrices associated with at least some of said subparts, thereby, quickly revealing the detailed structure of said relation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 7 , further including creating, editing or modifying query or named table variable definitions stored by a database system by editing the entries and structure of their corresponding dependency matrices.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein the structure and entries of said dependency matrices and other associated query attributes are used to generate statements adhering to an SQL relational database standard.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 7 , wherein the structure and entries of said dependency matrices and other associated query attributes are generated from query definitions adhering to an SQL relational database standard.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 7 , further including creating, editing or modifying relation definitions, including calculated relations, by editing the entries and structure of their corresponding dependency matrices.
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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) | 2006-06-09 | 2006-12-09 | 2007-06-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-06-09 | 2010-12-09 | 2011-06-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-06-09 | 2014-12-09 | 2015-06-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |