Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention provide a data structure, method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for representing data in a self-expanding data package. The package comprises one or more basic table data having zero, one or more table rows, a set of one or more constant lists having one or more values, and one or more row validation calculations. Use of the set of constant lists and row validation calculations provides a mechanism for compact data storage, wherein the self-expanding data package may be expanded. To expand the package, each list member of a constant list is combined with all other basic table rows and additional list members to produce every possible combination of table rows. Row validation calculations are applied to test validity of each tow, and only those expanded table tows that are valid appear in the expanded table.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention enable a method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and data structure for an adaptable multi-representation building systems data structure in an application program. The data structure comprises a single object that can represent a real world component used throughout a building life cycle, from preliminary design throughout a life of the building. As design decisions are made, the single object can acquire further definition, gaining one or more characteristics that characterize and specify the real-world component. The single object and a connector of the object can recognize and automatically connect to a valid subsystem. Further, the single object can represent itself in multiple graphical and non-graphical displays.

Abstract: One or mote embodiments of the invention enable a method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and data structure for an adaptable multi-representation building systems data structure in an application program. The data structure comprises a single object that can represent a real world component used throughout a building life cycle, from preliminary design throughout a life of the building. As design decisions are made, the single object can acquire further definition, gaining one or more characteristics that characterize and specify the real-world component. The single object and a connector of the object can recognize and automatically connect to a valid subsystem. Further, the single object can represent itself in multiple graphical and non-graphical displays.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention provide a data structure, method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for representing data in a self-expanding data package. The package comprises one or more basic table data having zero, one or more table rows, a set of one or more constant lists having one or more values, and one or more row validation calculations. Use of the set of constant lists and row validation calculations provides a mechanism for compact data storage, wherein the self-expanding data package may be expanded. To expand the package, each list member of a constant list is combined with all other basic table rows and additional list members to produce every possible combination of table rows. Row validation calculations are applied to test validity of each tow, and only those expanded table tows that are valid appear in the expanded table.