Patent ID: 6718346
Filing Date: 2004-04-06
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of generating summary data for a requested time period having a requested start time and a requested end time from a plurality of data records, said method comprising:(a) providing a plurality of data records, each said data record comprising a summary of the relevant data between a record start time and a record end time, said data records having different record start times, different record end times and record time periods of different lengths; (b) setting a current start time equal to said requested start time; (c) selecting the one of said data records with a record start time equal to the current start time and a record end time furthest from said record start time but before or equal to said requested end time; (d) processing the data from said selected one of said data records; (e) setting a new current start time equal to said end time of said selected one of said data records; and (f) if said new current start time is earlier than said requested end time, repeating steps (c) to (f) and if said new current start time is not earlier than said requested end time, processing the processed data provided in successive steps (d) to provide said summary data for said requested time period having said requested start time and said requested end time.