Database system with methods for controlling object interaction by establishing database contracts between objects
First Claim
1. In a computer system comprising a database of objects, a computer-implemented method for controlling objects of said database so that interaction between the objects occurs within constraints specified by the objects themselves, the method comprising:
- defining a database contract to comprise a set of constraints which govern interaction of one object with another in said computer system;
initiating a database contract between first and second objects of said database, by sending an offer object from said first object to said second object, said offer object including conditions which must be met before a database contract can exist between the two objects;
if said conditions are acceptable to said second object, sending an acceptance object from said second object to said first object;
determining by a monitor of said computer system whether said first and second objects each has sufficient authority to enter into said database contract, said monitor having no authority over said first and second objects other than monitoring authority of objects to enter database contracts and monitoring compliance of objects which have entered database contracts;
upon receipt by said first object of an acceptance object with sufficient authority, establishing said database contract between said first and second objects of said database, so that interaction between said first and second objects is controlled by said set of constraints of said database contract, said set of constraints of said database contract being enforced by said monitor; and
monitoring by said monitor compliance of each of said first and second objects with said set of constraints to ensure each object'"'"'s performance of the database contract.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for ensuring reliable interactions between principals within a database or between databases. The method involves the creation of database contracts which are, in essence, binding constraints on the behavior of entities within a database system that can be enforced by the system. A database contract is formed when two or more principals agree on the terms and conditions of the contract, and a monitor puts in to place the constraints necessary to enforce the agreed-upon terms and conditions after determining that each of the principals has the requisite authority and ability to carry out the contract.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. In a computer system comprising a database of objects, a computer-implemented method for controlling objects of said database so that interaction between the objects occurs within constraints specified by the objects themselves, the method comprising:
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defining a database contract to comprise a set of constraints which govern interaction of one object with another in said computer system; initiating a database contract between first and second objects of said database, by sending an offer object from said first object to said second object, said offer object including conditions which must be met before a database contract can exist between the two objects; if said conditions are acceptable to said second object, sending an acceptance object from said second object to said first object; determining by a monitor of said computer system whether said first and second objects each has sufficient authority to enter into said database contract, said monitor having no authority over said first and second objects other than monitoring authority of objects to enter database contracts and monitoring compliance of objects which have entered database contracts; upon receipt by said first object of an acceptance object with sufficient authority, establishing said database contract between said first and second objects of said database, so that interaction between said first and second objects is controlled by said set of constraints of said database contract, said set of constraints of said database contract being enforced by said monitor; and monitoring by said monitor compliance of each of said first and second objects with said set of constraints to ensure each object'"'"'s performance of the database contract. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A computer-implemented method of establishing a binding relationship between two autonomous objects within a database system, said object being referred to as principals, said binding relationship pertaining to handling of information within the database system, where the binding relationship is enforced by a monitor also contained within the system, said monitor having authority over said principals for verifying requisite authority of each principal, verifying requisite ability of each principal to comply, and verifying compliance of each principal which has entered into a binding relationship, said method comprising the steps of:
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sending from a first principal contained within a database within the system an offer which includes terms and conditions of a proposed binding relationship, said terms and conditions specifying constraints necessary for the proposed binding relationship, said offer being received by a second principal contained within the same or a different database within the system; if said second principal agrees to said terms and conditions of said proposed binding relationship, sending from the second principal to said first principal an acceptance of the offer; determining by said monitor whether each respective principal has requisite authority to enter into the proposed binding relationship and requisite ability to comply with said terms and conditions of the proposed binding relationship; and if each respective one of said first and second principals has requisite authority to enter into said proposed binding relationship and requisite ability to comply with the terms and conditions of said proposed binding relationship, establishing said proposed binding relationship between said first and second principals, and, thereafter enforcing said terms and conditions specified as necessary to ensure the performance of the established binding relationship. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. In a computer system, a computer-implemented method for controlling interaction between first and second objects, each object having authority independent of the other, the method comprising:
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creating at said first object a set of constraints dictating how said first and second object can interact in said computer system; communicating said set of constraints to said second object; determining at said second object whether to accept said set of constraints; if said constraints are acceptable, determining whether said first and second objects have sufficient authority to enter into a relationship with each other; and if said first and second objects have sufficient authority to enter into a relationship with each other, establishing said relationship between said first and second objects, by; storing information in said computer system information indicating that said set of constraints dictate how said first and second object can legally interact in said computer system; and monitoring interaction between said first and second objects, for ensuring that said constraints are not violated wherein said monitoring step is performed by a monitor object which is independent of said first and second objects. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification