Object mechanism and method for retrieving attribute values in a object oriented framework

US6748594B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• James E. Carey · Rochester, US
• Brent Carlson · Sollentuna, SE
• Tore Dahl · Hässelby, SE
• Dale H. Manthei · Pine Island, US
• Anders Nilsson · Åkarp, SE
• Torbjorn Pernbeck · Stockholm, SE
• Peter Taube · Renningen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 29, 1998
• Grant date: Jun 8, 2004
• Expiry date: Sep 29, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S707/99944
• WIPO field: Computer technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

In an object oriented computer system, a framework mechanism defines an infrastructure for allowing a user to flexibly define keys and their corresponding attributes. A special type of key called a specification key allows combinations of attributes to be specified, as well as set and range capabilities. An attribute retrieval policy is defined by a programmer to specify an algorithm or criteria that is used to calculating the desired attribute value. An attribute key controller contains key/value pairings for the attribute, contains the attribute retrieval policy, provides a maintenance interface for changing the attribute values; and provides a client interface for retrieving the attribute according to the attribute retrieval policy. The framework thus allows a user great flexibility in defining a suitable key/attribute retrieval mechanism by defining a suitable policy, defining one or more specification keys, and defining an associated controller.