Patent ID: 7315855
Filing Date: 2008-01-01
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method of processing a multi-state attribute field query, comprising: a) structuring operator result states from a group comprising true, false, null, and error as intermediate multi-state operator input state results; and b) using non-outcome determinative input-output logic operator properties to structure execution flow circumventing unproductive branches and yielding intermediate results from the group of true and false; whereby the null and error intermediate multi-state operator results on the non-outcome determinative logic operator branches are pruned out rendering them ineffective in producing query results; storing the intermediate results from attribute operations in a global status storage area and manipulating the global status storage area in the process of propagating execution flow; and maintaining a logic operator value and operation object sub-tree height count in the global status storage area accessible by adjacent comparison operation objects when an operand of a comparison operation is null or error.