Patent ID: 8032496

Claim:
A computer implemented method for displaying past versions of a data item, comprising: using at least a processor configured for performing a process, the process comprising: receiving a request on a database table for one or more past versions of the data item that exist or would have existed over an interval, wherein the database table comprises a current version of the data item without the one or more past versions of the data item, and the request is directed at the database table and comprises a specification of the interval; using at least a key, a range of keys, or one or more data blocks that are programmed for storing at least the data item in the database table by identifying one or more log records from a log of the database table; and applying the one or more log records to at least a portion of the database table by using the key, the range of keys, or the one or more data blocks to restore the one or more past versions of the data item over the interval, wherein the one or more log records comprise the one or more past versions and are used to reverse one or more changes made to the data item of the database table.