Novel Technique to Interact with Relational Databases by Using a Graphics Display

概要

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The widespread dissemination information systems for non-programmers requires a database interface language that has high descriptive power and permits users to interact with the systems in other than computer oriented terms. This paper provides the design and implementation of a non-procedural user interface language for relational databases which is named GOING. Taking advantage of two-dimensional representation by using graphic displays, GOING provides a concise, easy-to-understand representation of queries. Queries are expressed in terms of simple figures, i.e. ellipse for domains, arcs for logical orders of entities and connection of conditions, as well as expressions composed of comparison predicates and functions. With these techniques we can avoid difficult natural language processing by the system and spelling mistakes by users while retaining high descriptive power. In this paper, GOING expressions are compared with two other graphics oriented languages, i.e. CUPID and Query-by-Example. It is shown that GOING has high descriptive power and is systematic in expressing queries. GOING also has strong theoretical basis. Any GOING expression has a counterpart in an extended many-sorted logic and the correspondence between GOING and this logic is discussed. Implementation of a translation algorithm from GOING expression into a formula in this logic is also described.
一般社団法人情報処理学会の論文
1982-12-20