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The modelling of temporal data in the relational database environment

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Abstract

This research takes the view that the modelling of temporal data is a fundamental step towards the solution of capturing semantics of time. The problems inherent in the modelling of time are not unique to database processing. The representation of temporal knowledge and temporal reasoning arises in a wide range of other disciplines. In this paper an account is given of a technique for modelling the semantics of temporal data and its associated normalization method. It discusses the techniques of processing temporal data by employing a Time Sequence (TS) data model. It shows a number of different strategies which are used to classify different data properties of temporal data, and it goes on to develop the model of temporal data and addresses issues of temporal data application design by introducing the concept of temporal data normalisation.

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Correspondence to Sun Yuan.

Additional information

Supported by a research associateship (Jan. 1990–Jan. 1993) from Staffordshire University, UK.

Sun Yuan received his Ph.D. degree in computer science from Staffordshire University, UK, in 1993, and his M.S. degree in computer science from Keele University, UK.

At present, he is a Lecturer at the School of Computing, Information Systems and Mathematics. His research interests are database systems and its applications. His principal activities for the past five years have been in temporal databases, where he has studied the temporal semantics, temporal modelling and the design/implementation of temporal databases. He also is the Co-ordinator for the Centre of Information System and Office Studies.

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Sun, Y. The modelling of temporal data in the relational database environment. J. of Comput. Sci. & Technol. 10, 163–174 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02948425

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02948425

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