Method and apparatus for automating the management of a database
First Claim
1. In a program module having access to a database of entries, each of said entries comprising a first reference date and a second reference date, and said program module having access to a timing device which provides a present date, a method for updating said database, comprising the steps of:
- a. examining a first reference date and a second reference date for a first entry in said database;
b. removing said first entry from said database if said second reference date is not initialized and said first reference date is earlier than said present date;
c. removing said first entry from said database if said second reference date is earlier than said present date; and
d. examining a next first reference date and a next second reference for a next entry in said database and repeating steps b-c for said next entry.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus to automate the process of updating and maintaining a dynamically changing database by assigning status states to each entry within the database and operating on those entries in accordance with the status states. More specifically, when a new entry for the database is received (13) it is classified as a short-term entry (11). If the new entry is accessed (14) prior to the expiration of the short-term status (15), then the classification of the entry is changed to long-term (12). Otherwise, if the short-term status expires (15), the entry is functionally removed from the database (10). Long term entries (12) are maintained within the database for an assigned period of time which attempts to emulate the useful life of the entry. Upon expiration of a long-term status (16), the entry is functionally removed from the database (10).
19 Citations
5 Claims
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1. In a program module having access to a database of entries, each of said entries comprising a first reference date and a second reference date, and said program module having access to a timing device which provides a present date, a method for updating said database, comprising the steps of:
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a. examining a first reference date and a second reference date for a first entry in said database; b. removing said first entry from said database if said second reference date is not initialized and said first reference date is earlier than said present date; c. removing said first entry from said database if said second reference date is earlier than said present date; and d. examining a next first reference date and a next second reference for a next entry in said database and repeating steps b-c for said next entry. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification