System and method for data capture and reporting

• US 20040006570A1
• Filed: 09/30/2002
• Published: 01/08/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Liberty Peak Ventures, LLC (Dominion Harbor Enterprises, LLC)
• Original Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (American Express Company)
• Inventors: Whitney, Eric D., Gelb, Elizabeth A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,421,442 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 707/102
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/13 File access structures, e.g. distributed indices arrangements of input from, or output to, record carriers G06F3/06
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/2246 Trees, e.g. B+trees
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/2428 Query predicate definition using graphical user interfaces, including menus and forms G06F16/2423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/2457 with adaptation to user needs
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/26 Visual data mining; Browsing structured data
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/9535 Search customisation based on user profiles and personalisation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/31 User authentication
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/6245 Protecting personal data, e.g. for financial or medical purposes
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99933 Query processing, i.e. searching
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99934 Query formulation, input preparation, or translation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99942 Manipulating data structure, e.g. compression, compaction, compilation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99943 Generating database or data structure, e.g. via user interface

Abstract

A database system includes an intermediary program that provides a variety of functions. Logging on to the intermediary program results in log-in information being transmitted from an encrypted file to the database system via the intermediary program. The database system includes the ability for the user to enter criteria for a query in a variety of different manners, including the ability to directly modify generated SQL statements and the ability to use input lists in creating queries. In addition, the queries entered by the user can be stored in a separate database, such that the efficiency and operation of the database system can be improved. In addition, the delivery of query results and reports allows for delivery of files that are associated with a data period in any format and also allows the user to receive multiple reports in a single, compressed file.

Claims

1. A method of accessing a secure system comprising:

receiving log on information on an intermediary system;

validating the log on information by the intermediary system;

obtaining access data, said access data containing information used to locate and access said secure system, from a separate file;

transmitting said access data to the secure system;

validating the access data by the secure system; and

allowing access to the secure system via the intermediary system.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein

said receiving step comprises entering log on information on a terminal;

and

said separate file is encrypted and stored on said terminal.

3. A method of executing a query on a database comprising:

entering criteria by a user;

uploading a data file;

combining said data file with said database;

combining data file meta-data with said query criteria to create a query;

generating an SQL statement by a database system based on said query; and

executing the SQL statement.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said entering step comprises:

graphically selecting one or more fields upon which a query is run; and

entering one or more criteria for said one or more fields.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising:

selecting an operator for said field.

6. A method of delivering information comprising:

generating a first file using data from a specific data period within a database;

associating said first file with said data period;

categorizing said first file such that it is available to a pre-determined group of users; and

placing said first file in a location accessible to said pre-determined group of users.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein said generating step is accomplished by the use of a query.

8. The method of claim 6 further comprising:

generating a second file;

compressing said first file and said second file;

placing the result of the compressing step into a third file;

categorizing said third file such that it is available to a pre-determined group of users; and

placing said third file in a location accessible to said pre-determined group of users.

9. The method of claim 6 wherein said location comprises a location accessible via an Internet connection.