Abstract: The present invention comprises a computerized method for indexing information through the use of a general-purpose computer in operative communication with a data stream. A data stream is read, wherein the data represents one or more transitions within one or more episodes. A signature is created for each of the episodes within the data stream, wherein the signature is a representation of the transitions. The steps are repeated for each of the episodes in the data stream. An index is created comprised of the signatures.

Abstract: A computer control program directs a method whereby a computer reads a data entry record group from a data stream, wherein the data entry record group comprises one or more data entry records containing a key field containing an item. A key number representing the total number of key fields in the data entry record group is tallied, and a marker that allows for locating, and determining the size of, the data entry record group within the stream of data is recorded. The computer converts each item of the data entry record group to fixed length coded equivalence called an item indicator, and converts the item indicators to a fixed length coded equivalence called a signature. The computer creates a partial index record for each signature, and updates a combination cross-reference file and a raw data index, thereby classifying the data to allow for subsequent searching by persistent fast search methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electronically performing bookkeeping upon a plurality of accounting journal entries having at least one account number and at least one data component associated with each account number. A chart of accounts having account numbers and opening balances associated with the plurality of journal entries is read electronically. A set of account-section numbers is then created for each account number. The journal entries are electronically read and one of the account-section numbers is assigned to each account number. The assigned account-section numbers and associated data components are then sorted in a predetermined order. A design for the predetermined order is identified and compared with stored design records to see if such a design already exists. If not, the new design is stored. If so, the associated data components are added to the accumulated total for each account-section number.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for creating a database wherein the data entry, such as a journal entry in accounting, is the canonical record can be implemented utilizing a microcomputer. A plurality of data entries to be classified are separate records each comprised of one or more items having associated quantities and an entry number serving as a pointer to the record. Each item contains information including at least an item number or label and a quantity. At least two item indicators are then generated for each of the item numbers. A mapping function is applied to each data entry to assign the item indicators for the item numbers based upon the associated quantities. The item indicators for the data entry are sorted into ascending numerical sequence and an n-dimension sparse matrix is selected where "n" is the number of items in the data entry.