Extensible database retrieval and viewing architecture
First Claim
1. A method of accessing data in a data source using a computer system:
- receiving a selection of a series of steps to be performed in accessing the data, each step in the series of steps including a type, a definition of the inputs and outputs, a definition of data accessing characteristics for the step, and an indication of whether original data or copies of the data are used in the step;
receiving a selection of interconnections among the series of steps to create a plan, the plan defining the execution order of the series of steps; and
executing the plan to access the data.
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Accused Products
Abstract
One embodiment of the invention includes an architecture for extending the data requesting and data viewing capabilities of a database system. Data from the database is requested and viewed using a plan. The plan defines the steps to perform to request and view the data. The extensible architecture allows for the relatively easy addition of new steps for use in the database retrieval and viewing system. In one system, each step includes executable code for accessing, manipulating and/or outputting data. Each step conforms to a predefined interface that allows the step to be used in a plan, manipulate data received from another step (if necessary), and output data to another step (if necessary). By generating steps that conform to the predefined interface, developers can extend the functionality of the data retrieval and viewing application. In one embodiment, the interface defines the type of step, the number of inputs and outputs to the steps, the type of record accessing characteristics are best used by the step, and whether the step uses the original records or copies of the records. Importantly, the interface does not need to define the actual data manipulation performed by the step. Therefore, the step'"'"'s internal operations are independent of the operations performed by the application. This separation allows developers to generate powerful steps without having to modify the application to support the new steps.
100 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of accessing data in a data source using a computer system:
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receiving a selection of a series of steps to be performed in accessing the data, each step in the series of steps including a type, a definition of the inputs and outputs, a definition of data accessing characteristics for the step, and an indication of whether original data or copies of the data are used in the step; receiving a selection of interconnections among the series of steps to create a plan, the plan defining the execution order of the series of steps; and executing the plan to access the data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for accessing and presenting data, the system comprising:
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a database management system for accessing and storing source data; a computer, being coupled in communications with the database management system, having, a repository including a plurality of steps, each step in the plurality of steps including a type, a definition of the corresponding inputs and outputs, a definition of data accessing characteristics for the step, and an indication of whether original data or copies of the data are used in the step, and a store having a plurality of programs corresponding to the plurality of steps, each program in the plurality of programs for manipulating the data; an application, coupled in communication with the repository and the store, for data retrieval and viewing using the repository and the store to retrieve, manipulate and present the data in the database management system. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for accessing data in a data source using a computer system:
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means for receiving a selection of a series of steps to be performed in accessing the data, each step in the series of steps including a type, a definition of the inputs and outputs, a definition of data accessing characteristics for the step, and an indication of whether original data or copies of the data are used in the step; means for receiving a selection of interconnections among the series of steps to create a plan, the plan defining the execution order of the series of steps; and means for executing the plan to access the data. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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Specification