Abstract: A method and apparatus for arranging and accessing database data in a manner such that massive amounts of data can be aggregated and manipulated in many different ways to generate reports of many different types in a rapid manner, the method including storing data in point slices where each slice includes data having similar attributes, receiving a report request from which data attributes corresponding to the data needed to instantiate the report can be gleaned, identifying at least one required point slice including the needed data, determining if the point slice exists, where the point slice does not exist, accessing other data and generating the point slice and perhaps some intervening point slices, storing the newly generated point slices and then using the required point slice to instantiate and provide the report.

Abstract: An algorithm for transforming data base schema information to object modeling notation utilizes meta models of the data base tables and the target object modeling notation respectively to bridge the gap between the data base schema representation and the object model representation. Detection of associations between classes of objects is performed for one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many associations by analyzing unique key attributes. Once an object meta model is populated, the underlying object model may be displayed using existing software packages.

Abstract: A method and system for generating computer programs for queries by manipulating an object-oriented diagram. In the present invention, a query is specified for the object diagram. A series of transformations are performed on the object classes within the object diagram in accordance with the query. A revised object diagram representative of the query is then produced. Computer code is then automatically generated for the query from the revised object diagram. The code is used to prototype programs that query and/or update data stored in a database.

Abstract: A database shadowing system for performing data checkout/checkin operations. The system includes performing the steps of 1) identifying a data item stored in a database for editing, 2) copying the data item from the database to an active memory file thereby creating an active memory copy of the data item, 3) associating a tag with the active memory copy of the data item, changing a state of the data item 4) tag depending upon the edit operation performed on the active memory copy of the data item, and 5) saving any change made to the active memory copy of the data item by making the change to the database data item upon issuance of a save command, so that the data item tag of the active memory copy of the data item controls the manner of changing the database data item.

Abstract: A system and method for restructuring a product assembly utilizes a knowledge base of past product designs to identify to an expert, which components within the assembly are candidates for replacement with other components. By reducing the varieties of components in assemblies, the cost of manufacturing decreases. Data base management techniques are used to store and maintain data about the makeup of various assembly models and the criteria used to select the components for each assembly. Restructure candidates are identified by manipulating selection tables in such a way as to locate those criteria that have little effect on the choice of a given component. An expert then evaluates the possibility of replacing those components that are currently being used in those small number of cases where the aforementiond selection criteria with little decision making weight actually do determine selection of that particular component.

Abstract: A computer implemented process and apparatus for selecting components of an assembly from input design specifications and displaying the selected component to a system user is provided. The selected components can be displayed in one of many formats including in a bill-of-material format. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes selection means for selecting a component from input design specifications and display means for displaying the selected assembly components.