System and method for managing context-rich database

• US 20080033951A1
• Filed: 01/22/2007
• Published: 02/07/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 01/20/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gregory P. Benson
• Original Assignee: Glenbrook Associates, Inc.
• Inventors: Benson, Gregory
• Granted Patent: US 7,941,433 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 707/8
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/283 Multi-dimensional databases or data warehouses, e.g. MOLAP or ROLAP
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 40/186 Templates

Abstract

A system and method for maintaining a data cluster of records referring to a same object or phenomenon in a context-rich database are provided. The method comprises assessing each record of the data cluster entered by a source on a predetermined number of parameters to develop a quality score for the source. The method further comprises assessing each field of a record entered by the source on parameters related to quality or performance of the data. The method further comprises storing one or more scores based on the assessments so as to enhance answering requests about a portion of the database.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method of maintaining a data cluster of records referring to a same object or phenomenon in a context-rich database, the method comprising:

assessing each record of the data cluster entered by a source on a predetermined number of parameters to develop a quality score for the source;

assessing each field of a record entered by the source on parameters related to quality or performance of the data; and

storing one or more scores based on the assessments so as to enhance answering requests about a portion of the database.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the parameters related to quality or performance of the data comprise one or more of the following:

completeness, integrity, and popularity.

3. The method of claim 1, additionally comprising minimizing disparities between like concepts in different records, wherein differences arise from language used, time, date, location, collection method, subject field, measurement system, or coding.

4. The method of claim 1, additionally comprising storing information about the performance for sources or other entities regarding completeness and integrity of data corresponding to the sources or other entities.

5. A computer-implemented method of evaluating a message from an external computing system requesting a reply containing some portion of a context-rich database, the method comprising:

receiving a message from an external computing system requesting a reply containing some portion of a context-rich database, wherein the message comprises at least a requester identification;

determining whether the requestor has rights to access the information identified by the query expression; and

providing the information identified by the query expression for which the requester has rights and that matches the source quality range.

6. The method defined in claim 5, wherein the message further comprises a template identification code.

7. The method defined in claim 5, wherein the filter preferences further comprise a render level preference.

8. The method defined in claim 5, wherein the source quality comprises scores representing completeness, integrity and popularity.

9. The method defined in claim 5, wherein the message further comprises preferences for source, version and time frame.

10. The method defined in claim 5, wherein the message further comprises at least one of the following:

an authentication, permissions, filter preferences comprising a source quality range, and a query expression.

11. A computer-implemented method of processing records in a context-rich database, the method comprising:

a) evaluating all records in the database that are associated with a same phenomenon or object;

b) applying user preferences corresponding with a user request; and

c) determining the records in the database that best satisfy the user request.

12. The method of claim 11, additionally comprising storing the process of acts a), b) and c) for later reference.

13. A computer-implemented system for maintaining a data cluster of records referring to a same object or phenomenon in a context-rich database, the system comprising:

means for assessing each record of the data cluster entered by a source on a predetermined number of parameters to develop a quality score for the source;

means for assessing each field of a record entered by the source on parameters related to quality or performance of the data; and

means for storing one or more scores based on the assessments so as to enhance answering requests about a portion of the database.

14. A computer-implemented system for evaluating a message from an external computing system requesting a reply containing some portion of a context-rich database, the system comprising:

means for receiving a message from an external computing system requesting a reply containing some portion of a context-rich database, wherein the message comprises at least a requestor identification;

means for determining whether the requestor has rights to access the information identified by the query expression; and

means for providing the information identified by the query expression for which the requester has rights and that matches the source quality range.

15. A computer-implemented system for processing records in a context-rich database, the system comprising:

means for evaluating all records in the database that are associated with a same phenomenon or object;

means for applying user preferences corresponding with a user request; and

means for determining the records in the database that best satisfy the user request.

16. A computer-implemented system for maintaining a data cluster of records referring to a same object or phenomenon in a context-rich database, the system comprising:

a memory; and

a processor configured to;

assess each record of the data cluster entered by a source on a predetermined number of parameters to develop a quality score for the source;

assess each field of a record entered by the source on parameters related to quality or performance of the data; and

store one or more scores based on the assessments so as to enhance answering requests about a portion of the database.

17. A computer-implemented system for evaluating a message from an external computing system requesting a reply containing some portion of a context-rich database, the system comprising:

a memory; and

a processor configured to;

receive a message from an external computing system requesting a reply containing some portion of a context-rich database, wherein the message comprises at least a requestor identification;

determine whether the requestor has rights to access the information identified by the query expression; and

provide the information identified by the query expression for which the requestor has rights and that matches the source quality range.

18. A computer-implemented system for processing records in a context-rich database, the system comprising:

a memory; and

a processor configured to;

evaluate all records in the database that are associated with a same phenomenon or object;

apply user preferences corresponding with a user request; and

determine the records in the database that best satisfy the user request.