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Database system with methods for controlling object interaction by establishing database contracts between objects

  • US 5,535,383 A
  • Filed: 03/17/1994
  • Issued: 07/09/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/17/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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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:

  • 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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