MDM: Handling the Time Dimension in Generalized DBMS.

Abstract

The sense of time is implicit in almost all human activity, yet it is rarely reflected in the computer database views of these activities. This paper offers a method of dealing with time, modal storage and retrieval, and describes formal and practical realizations of the concept. The conceptual framework of Modal Data Management reflects three years of experience with the DATA (Dynamic Alerting Transaction Analysis) system, in which a time oriented DBMS has been conceived, designed and actually implemented. The paper first anchors the Modal Data Management concept in the context of the relevant research in Information Modelling and storage technologies, followed by a discussion of the architectural and functional attributes of the DATA system. The major lessons from the DATA experience are then presented, paying special emphasis to their impact on the design of future versions of the system. The concluding comments deal with specific implications of the Modal Data Management in the domains of DBMS usability and Software Engineering. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 06, 1981
Accession Number
ADA103308

Entities

People

  • Gad Ariav
  • Howard L. Morgan

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Application Software
  • Availability
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Data Management
  • Data Storage Systems
  • Database Management Systems
  • Databases
  • Decision Support Systems
  • Engineering
  • Identification
  • Information Systems
  • Mass Storage
  • Observation
  • Sequences
  • Software Development

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Engineering

Readers

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Engineering
  • Database Systems and Applications