International Business Machines Corporation

Raymond Hernandez

Allen W Heath

Lloyd E Jordan, Ii

James L Gaudet

Virginia M Hoffman

Susan D Stratton

Ronald K Sheppard

Virginia L Alexander

A digital computer system and method for storing and retrieving data contained in a 'relational data table' in such a way that individual items of data are readily accessible and the data itself is compressible. The items of data are arranged in the table in a plurality of rows and columns. The items of data in each given column are of the same type (fixed length character, variable length up to a prescribed maximum length, etc.). The items of data are arranged in a particular data format which comprises a plurality of 'column descriptor' or 'C' records, each of which is associated with one column of the table, followed by a plurality of 'data' or 'D' records which include the items of data in the table. The D records and C records contain the following information: Each D record includes one or more of the items of data from a particular table row. It is therefore associated with this table row and with at least one table column. Each C record, which is associated with one of the table columns, includes an identification of the associated column, an identification of a D record which includes an item of data in the associated column, and a number defining the absolute displacement of the beginning of the items of data arranged in the respective column with respect to the beginning of the D records associated with that column.

Method and apparatus for data storage and interchange using a relational

A technique for providing automatic modification of a computer application program adopts the program for compatibility with hardware different from that for which the program was originally written and tested. Upon initial loading of the application program, a search is made to determine the existence of a set of exception tables, external to the application program. If the exception tables are present, all code conversion tables within the application program relating to I/O operations are modified according to the set of exception tables. Plural sets of exception tables may be included with the ability of the operator to choose which set of exception tables will be used to modify the program, thereby allowing the operator to use a single program with a variety of different hardwawre configurations, assuring with each configuration that the intended characters and symbols are displayed and printed.

Emulation system for automatically modifying I/O translation tables in

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Austin, TX, United States of America

Raymond Hernandez