Class 707 :: DATA PROCESSING: DATABASE AND FILE MANAGEMENT OR DATA STRUCTURES
DefinitionThis is the generic class for data processing apparatus and corresponding methods for the retrieval of data stored in a database or as computer files.This class provides for data processing means or steps for organizing and inter-relating data or files (e.g., relational, network, hierarchical, and entity-relationship models). This class also provides for data processing means or steps for generic data, file and directory upkeeping, file naming, and file and database maintenance including integrity consideration, recovery, and versioning. A. Database and file accessing. B. Database schema and data structure. C. File and database maintenance. See Subclass References to the Current Class, below, for the location of subclasses within these three main divisions. RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER CLASSESA. Database and File Accessing (1) Note. This class area is directed to computerized database and file accessing and retrieval, including hierarchical, bit-mapped and flat indexing, hashing, stapling, containerizing, and other methods. Accessing and control of a memory, per se, is classified elsewhere. See the search class notes in References to Other Classes, below. (2) Note. The combination of details of database technology with the business data processing is classified in the business art. See search class notes in References to Other Classes, below. (3) Note. The combination of details of database technology with a nominal recitation of the subject matter of another class is classified herein. Particular fields of use of database technology performing in combination with the basic subject matter of another class to effect some end other than mere information accessing or retrieval, is classified with the subject matter of the other class, unless specifically excluded therefrom. See the search class notes in References to Other Classes, below. (4) Note. This class area is directed to generic methods and apparatus for accessing and retrieving data housed in either databases or files. The generic steps to access and retrieve an object from an object-oriented database may be properly classified herein; however, objects themselves for an application other than database accessing and retrieving data, such as, for example an operator interface object, an icon object capable of instantiating a process, or a simulation system physical structure object are classified elsewhere. See the search class notes in References to Other Classes, below. (5) Note. This class area is directed to generic methods and apparatus for accessing and retrieving data housed in either databases or files. The generic steps of accessing and retrieving data or information in a particular computer design “:environment” may be properly classified herein. Examples of such “environments” include, for example, a computer aided design (CAD) and analysis tool “environment”, a software development tool "environment", an image processing “environment”, a desk-top or other operator interface “environment”, etc., may rely on accessing and retrieving information or routines from libraries while working in the “environment”. The “environments” themselves are classified elsewhere in the data processing arts. See the search class notes in References to Other Classes, below. (6) Note. The combination of a database accessing method with a particular operator interface feature may be found in these subclasses. Operator interfaces, per se, are classified elsewhere. See the search class notes in References to Other Classes, below. B. Database Schema and Data Structures (1) Note. Classification herein requires a combination of a data structure and the access or retrieval method, or apparatus for employing or storing the data structure. C. File and Database Maintenance (1) Note. This class area is directed to means and steps for handling of generic files and databases only in computers and digital data processing systems. For the purpose of these definitions a generic file is defined as a named collection of data. File content and database content authoring, generating, producing, and editing in information processing applications art areas, such as, for example, business data processing machine translation, graphics processing, simulation, animation and software development, is classified elsewhere. (2) Note. This class area is directed to management and maintenance of files and databases in computers and digital data processing systems and accepts subject solutions working within single memories and across multiple memories. Memory accessing and control and memory management, per se, is classified elsewhere. (3) Note. This class area is directed to management and maintenance of files and databases in computers and digital data processing systems and accepts only nominal recitations to operator interfaces, icons, and other metaphors used in the maintenance of files and databases. File management tools, metaphors, or objects with significant operator interface features are classified elsewhere. (4) Note. Formatting and file allocation in memory systems, such as direct access storage systems, is generally found in the art area directed to the storage system device. |
Subclasses List
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