Point-Versus Interval-Based Temporal Data Models

The association of timestamps with various data items such as tuples or attribute values is fundamental to the management of time-varying information. Using intervals in timestamps, as do most data models, leaves a data model with a variety of choices for giving a meaning to timestamps. Specifically, some such data models claim to be point-based while other data models claim to be interval-based. The meaning chosen for timestamps is important--it has a pervasive effect on most aspects of a data model, including database design, a variety of query language properties, and query processing techniques, e.g., the availability of query optimization opportunities. This paper precisely defines the notions of point-based and interval-based temporal data models, thus providing a new, formal basis for characterizing temporal data models and obtaining new insights into the properties of their query languages. Queries in point-based models treat snapshot equivalent argument relations identically....

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1998
• Where: ICDE
• Authors: Michael H. Böhlen, Renato Busatto, Christian S. Jensen
• Keywords: Database, ICDE 1998, Interval-based Temporal Data, Point-based Models, Temporal Data Models