Abstract: A correlation operator &THgr; provides a way for the results of sub-queries to be correlated. The correlation operator &THgr; has an implied existential quantifier property (i.e., a “for some” property) and is satisfied if any record matches its sub-query. If no record is found that matches the correlation operator &THgr;'s sub-query, then the correlation operator &THgr; query fails. The implicit existential quantifier property of the correlation operator &THgr; can be converted into a universal quantifier property (i.e., a “for all” property) by transformation of the query. The correlation operator &THgr; uses an algebra to resolve into flags attached to appropriate operators in the sub-query. After the correlation operator &THgr; is eliminated from the query, the query can be performed. The operator flags perform the correlation as part of the sub-query. The correlation operator &THgr; can be inserted explicitly by the user if she knows what data she desires to be correlated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus disclosed may be implemented in a digital computer to query a set of arbitrarily structured records. Arbitrarily structured records are structured differently from each other. A query engine, query structure, operators of conventional and non-conventional types may be used in formulating a query. The apparatus may evaluate records having missing fields, repeating fields, or an UNKNOWN value arising from a missing field, division by zero, modulo by zero, or the like. New aggregator (e.g. universal quantifier and existential quantifier) and selector operators (e.g., first, last, nth) may distill multiple values to return a single value. To evaluate a query, the search engine may implement filtered indices, alternate-key indices, compound alternate-key indices, hybrid queries having both full-text and non-full text operands, and joinder of records.

Abstract: A persistent packet provides a wrapper that may be interpretable by an application, a packeting process, a database engine, or a device intermediate a sending device and a receiving device. Accordingly, the packet may be transferred and stored without changing the packet structure. The wrapper contains a header for rapid transfer of the packet with no need for any machine or process to open the packet and access the substantive data contained therein. The wrapper also contains application-specific data that may be interpreted by the packeting process or the application, or both. The application-specific data pertains to the substantive data contained in the packet and may be used by an application in determining how to dispose of a packet. For example an application may determine whether to store, open, discard, etc. the packet. The application-specific data may also be used by an application in a process of disposition of a packet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus disclosed may be implemented in a digital computer to query a set of arbitrarily structured records. Arbitrarily structured records are structured differently from each other. A query engine, query structure, operators of conventional and non-conventional types may be used in formulating a query. The apparatus may evaluate records having missing fields, repeating fields, or an UNKNOWN value arising from a missing field, division by zero, modulo by zero, or the like. New aggregator (e.g. universal quantifier and existential quantifier) and selector operators (e.g., first, last, nth) may distill multiple values to return a single value. To evaluate a query, the search engine may implement filtered indices, alternate-key indices, compound alternate-key indices, hybrid queries having both full-text and non-full text operands, and joinder of records.

Abstract: A method and apparatus disclosed may be implemented in a digital computer to query a set of arbitrarily structured records. Arbitrarily structured records are structured differently from each other. A query engine, query structure, operators of conventional and non-conventional types may be used in formulating a query. The apparatus may evaluate records having missing fields, repeating fields, or an UNKNOWN value arising from a missing field, division by zero, modulo by zero, or the like. New aggregator (e.g. universal quantifier and existential quantifier) and selector operators (e.g., first, last, nth) may distill multiple values to return a single value. To evaluate a query, the search engine may implement filtered indices, alternate-key indices, compound alternate-key indices, hybrid queries having both full-text and non-full text operands, and joinder of records.

Abstract: A method and apparatus disclosed may be implemented in a digital computer to query a set of arbitrarily structured records. Arbitrarily structured records are structured differently from each other. A query engine, query structure, operators of conventional and non-conventional types may be used in formulating a query. The apparatus may evaluate records having missing fields, repeating fields, or an UNKNOWN value arising from a missing field, division by zero, modulo by zero, or the like. New aggregator (e.g. universal quantifier and existential quantifier) and selector operators (e.g., first, last, nth) may distill multiple values to return a single value. To evaluate a query, the search engine may implement filtered indices, alternate-key indices, compound alternate-key indices, hybrid queries having both full-text and non-full text operands, and joinder of records.