Abstract: Information is displayed from an information based computer system which comprises the consolidation of information from various object instances onto a single form. Changes or corrections to data values are maintained in a historical record. When the form is displayed, options are provided indicating whether there are older or newer data values resulting from changes or corrections being made to the original data value.

Abstract: The database is provided with an audit trail for the structure types of the object instances. As a component of an object instance of the database is corrected/changed, the corrected/changed component is substituted for the original component and the original component is linked to the corrected/changed component.

Abstract: Annotations to data objects are stored in the object instance and may be stored in an annotation file or a reference may be store in a reference file. Once annotated, a cell displaying the data object will provide a notation indicating that the data object has an annotation associated therewith. Retrieval of annotations which are not stored in an annotation file or reference file occurs through a search of the object instances. Retrieval of annotations having a reference in a reference file occurs through use of the reference to access the object instances. Retrieval of annotations in an annotation file occurs through retrieval of the annotation file. Once retrieved, the annotations may be in a final form, such as the nursing progress notes, or may be on a scratch pad to allow the user to electronically transfer annotations from a scratch pad to a permanent record.

Abstract: Data is retrieved from a database, whose physical organization (indexed matrix) is similar to the logical organization (spread sheet) of the data, by requesting the parameters and the desired time interval. A data interface locates pages in the database containing the requested parameters. Entries from page indexes relating to desired parameters are consolidated into a master composite index. Pages relating to the time period requested are then bound and searched to find the desired data. This data is then returned to the requesting application.

Abstract: A spreadsheet comprised of a plurality of cells is described wherein each cell is separately identified by one or more parameters. The cells are dynamically configured so that the size may be changed depending on the information to be displayed. Each cell has an accompanying form which contains information. The information is generally broken down into mandatory, optional, notational, and other information. The determination of how the information is classified is determined by the cell definition, not by the form or data being displayed. Each cell will display the mandatory information and may display the optional information if present in the form. In addition, a notation (or indicator) will be displayed in the cell if notational information is present in the form.

Abstract: Input to the system is buffered by the forms manager to determine access to the tile/region and to check entered data. The tile/region will retain various information such as data entered, user, time, changes, etc. To display a form, the forms manager obtains a list of objects to be displayed. This list of objects is then edited to remove objects which are not utilized and to place the remaining objects in a prioritized order. The forms manager then generates the display.

Abstract: A hospital information system comprises a data processing system including a plurality of terminals having display means and data entry means. Patient information is entered into the system via the terminals, is organized hierarchically in the system, and may be displayed to users having proper access to the system. The system provides a time-oriented task list, which is automatically generated from data which has been entered from physicians' and nursing orders. Tasks may be charted by a system user without exiting from the task list, and all associated form(s) are automatically updated.

Abstract: A hospital information system comprises a data processing system including a plurality of terminals having display means and data entry means. Patient information is entered into the system via the terminals, is organized hierarchically in the system, and may be displayed to users having proper access to the system. The system provides a time-oriented task list, which is automatically generated from data which has been entered from physicians' and nursing orders. Tasks may be charted by a system user directly onto a system form, and the task list and any associated form(s) are automatically updated.

Abstract: A point and select device is disclosed in which a sphere protruding from one major surface of a housing can serve as either a trackball or the moving element in a mouse. Actuators on either side of the device are selected according to the use of the device. The sense of motion for up/down is reversed between the two modes of operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for packaging electronic equipment comprise a housing and a "midplane" that is removably secured to suitable flanges centrally located within the housing. Individual sub-modules (CPU, disk drive, I/O unit, power supply, etc.) have suitable electrical connectors which mate with corresponding connectors on the midplane. The sub-modules are inserted into the midplane from different sides of the housing. The exposed, outer surfaces of the sub-modules may either be finished in final form, or suitable bezels may be placed over the sides of the housing so that the sub-modules can be appropriately accessed for necessary replacement or repair.

Abstract: A hospital information system comprises a data processing system including a plurality of terminals having display means and data entry means. Patient information is entered into the system via the terminals, is organized hierarchically in the system, and may be displayed to users having proper access to the system. Once a patient is selected from a census list, all further access to information concerning such patient is obtained in a two-level selection process by (1) selecting a descriptor corresponding to information at a first organizational level, and (2) selecting a descriptor corresponding to information at a second organization level. Various parameters can be added to or deleted from the information at the second organizational level on a patient-specific basis by an authorized system user. Certain parameters may be "pre-printed", and other parameters may represent "macro"parameters.