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Method of integrating software application programs using an attributive data model database

  • US 4,864,497 A
  • Filed: 04/13/1988
  • Issued: 09/05/1989
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/13/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for creating a data structure for access by a plurality of application programs, said application programs being executed by a data processor which also creates said data structure in a memory coupled to the data processor, said data structure being created from application data originating in said application programs and including a plurality of node data and node data descriptors, and said method comprising the steps, executed by said data processor, of:

  • (a) creating a different one of a plurality of attribute data objects for each of said node data;

    (b) organizing said attribute data objects hierarchically according to a being-held relationship by choosing from said plurality of attribute data objects for each of said attribute data objects, a holder data object such that a hierarchical being-held relationship exists between each attribute data object and a single holder data object;

    (c) establishing non-hierarchical relationships for selected ones of said attribute data objects created from node data associated with at least one of said node data descriptors by choosing, from said attribute data objects, referent data objects for said selected attribute data objects such that the chosen referent data object reflects a node data descriptor of the node data for which a corresponding selected attribute data object was created, said selected attribute data objects being called relation data objects and the attribute data objects without referent data objects being called element data objects;

    (d) creating an apex data object with which at least one of said attribute data objects has a being-held relationship, said apex data object having no being-held relationship with any of said attribute data objects;

    (e) creating an attribute file for said attribute data objects;

    (f) entering each of said attribute data objects into said attribute file;

    (g) entering holding pointers for each of said attribute data objects, the holding pointer of each attribute data object indicating the one of said attribute data objects having a being-held relationship with that attribute data object; and

    (h) entering referent pointers into said attribute file, said referent pointers reflecting said non-hierarchical relationships between said attribute data objects.

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