A unified non-procedural environment for designing and implementing graphical interfaces to relational data base management systems
Michael T. Garrett · 1980
Motivation is given for the integrated use of graphics and data base management systems in this dissertation. Some examples of existing systems with classes of this type are presented. Goals are identified, and related work which lead to these goals is discussed. After a brief discussion of data abstraction, a graphical structure suggested by the ACM SIGGRAPH Graphics Standards Planning Committee Core System is described. Some new techniques for the decomposition of relations by link dependencies are used to create new graphical structures which are efficient in storage and interpretation. Data bases for the handling of graphical input are then described. The relationships that exist between graphical and application information components are crucial and involve the use of integrity constraints, view definitions, and alerters. Inadequacies of these concepts are identified and necessary enhancements are presented. A specific production rule form--which shall be called continuously evaluated qualified updates--is described in some detail. The practicability of the ideas in this dissertation are demonstrated by (1) describing a system design within the present capabilities of available modules, and (2) describing enhancements which would make implementation more efficient. Areas for further research are identified.