System and method for providing access to databases via directories and other hierarchical structures and interfaces

• US 20060020586A1
• Filed: 07/12/2005
• Published: 01/26/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/03/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Claude Y. Samuelson, Michel Prompt
• Original Assignee: Claude Y. Samuelson, Michel Prompt
• Inventors: Prompt, Michel, Samuelson, Claude Y.
• Application Number:
  US11/180,318
• Publication Number:
  US 20060020586A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/252 between a Database Management System and a front-end application
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/972 Access to data in other repository systems, e.g. legacy data or dynamic Web page generation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/954 Relational
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/956 Hierarchical
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99943 Generating database or data structure, e.g. via user interface

Abstract

A hierarchical/relational translation system is provided for enabling information from unrelated heterogeneous relational computing systems to be accessed, navigated, searched, browsed, and shared over a hierarchical computing system. In one embodiment, the hierarchical/relational translation system includes a virtual directory server for capturing information in the nature of relational database schema and metadata. The captured schema and metadata are then translated into virtual directories that are universally compatible with standard communication protocols used with hierarchical computing systems. A virtual directory of information organizes an index of data records and a standard addressing schema is provided to enable customizable access to relevant views of relational computing systems. Several embodiments for presenting the virtual directory information tree are included. In one embodiment, the virtual directory is displayed using browser format. In another embodiment, the virtual directory is presented in electronic mail format. Still, in another embodiment the virtual directory is presented over a wireless medium and through portable devices.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for querying relational data through standard-based hierarchical views, comprising steps of:

accessing a first server from a client;

retrieving by the first server first schema stored on at least one relational data source;

translating the first schema into second schema, wherein the second schema includes the relational data having a hierarchy;

maintaining a virtual representation of the hierarchy; and

providing the virtual representation at the client.