US 5,345,586 A · Method and system for manipulation of distributed heterogeneous data in a data processing system

Abstract

Manipulation of distributed heterogeneous data in a data processing system having multiple diverse data sources is permitted by providing a global data directory which maps the location of data, specific data entity attributes and data source parameters. An attribute table is provided within the global data directory which sets forth desired attributes in a logical data model for each data entity within the data processing system. A domain table related to the attribute table is utilized to specify domain information for each data entity attribute. Route and cross-reference tables are provided and utilized to specify data source or database parameters and a cross-reference between logical names within the logical data model and the diverse data sources. Desired heterogeneous data is then accessed utilizing the route and cross-reference tables and converted utilizing any known technique into an output having the desired attributes set forth within the attribute table. In this manner, a consistent interface between multiple distributed heterogeneous data sources and a system user is provided.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A method for enhanced manipulation of distributed heterogeneous data in a data processing system having a plurality of diverse data sources therein, said method comprising the steps of:

establishing a global data directory which includes:
an attribute table listing desired attributes for a plurality of data entities within said data processing system;
a domain table listing domain information for each of said desired attributes for said plurality of data entities within said data processing system;
a route table listing each of said plurality of diverse data sources within said data processing system;
and
a cross-reference table listing a cross-reference between logical names within a logical data model and said plurality of diverse data sources;
accessing said distributed heterogeneous data within said data processing system utilizing said cross-reference table and said route table;
and
converting said accessed distributed heterogeneous data into a consistent format having desired attributes utilizing said attribute table and said domain table, wherein a consistent interface into said distributed heterogeneous data is provided.

6 more elements

A data processing system for efficiently manipulating distributed heterogenous data within said data processing system, said data processing system comprising:

a plurality of diverse data sources within said data processing system, said plurality of diverse data sources including multiple heterogeneous data entities stored therein;
a global data directory within said data processing system, said global data directory including:
an attribute table listing desired attributes for each of said multiple heterogeneous data entities;
a domain table listing domain information for each of said desired attributes for each of said multiple heterogeneous data entities;
a route table listing each of said plurality of diverse data sources within said data processing system;
and
a cross-reference table listing a cross-reference between logical names within a logical data model and said plurality of diverse data sources;
access means for accessing selected ones of said multiple heterogeneous data entities within said data processing system utilizing said cross-reference table and said route table within said logical data model;
and
conversion means for converting said accessed selected ones of said multiple heterogeneous data entities into a consistent format having desired attributes utilizing said attribute table and said domain table wherein a consistent interface into said distributed heterogeneous data is provided.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and system for manipulation of distributed heterogeneous data in a data processing system

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Method and system for manipulation of distributed heterogeneous data in a data processing system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10