Integrated multidimensional database

Abstract

A method of distributing research data from a common database to a user of the common database is provided. Data concerning research results and data upon which the research results are based are stored in a local database and are linked to each other. Data concerning research results and data upon which the research results are based are selectively extracted from the local database to the common database. Research data are then selected by a user of the common database from the extracted data concerning research results and from the data upon which the extracted data are based and the selected research data are distributed to the user.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of integrating and distributing research data, the method comprising: 
 receiving research data selectively extracted from a local database, the research data including data concerning research results and data upon which the research results are based, wherein the data concerning research results are linked to the data upon which the research results are based;    storing the extracted research data in a common database; and    distributing to a user of the common database research data from the extracted research data.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein links between the data concerning research results and the data upon which the research results are based track logical relationships between the data concerning research results and the data upon which the research results are based.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the data upon which the research results are based include phenotype data and genotype data.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the data upon which the research results are based include information concerning equipment and supplies used in generating the research results.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the data upon which the research results are based include information concerning biomaterials used in generating the research results.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the data upon which the research results are based include information concerning protocols used in generating the research results.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 providing a reviewer with access to the research data stored in the common database;  
 receiving an input from the reviewer; and  
 labeling selected research data stored in the common database as approved by the reviewer for public distribution from the common database based on the input from the reviewer.  
 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the distributed research data are selected for distribution by the user.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein distributing the research data comprises distributing the research data in a defined database table structure.  
     
     
         10 . A system for integrating and distributing research data, the system comprising: 
 a processor; and    memory adapted for storing instructions performed by the processor for:    receiving research data selectively extracted from a local database, the research data including data concerning research results, data upon which the research results are based, and information concerning protocols used in generating the research results, wherein the data concerning research results are linked to the data upon which the research results are based and to the information concerning the protocols;    storing the extracted research data in a common database; and    distributing to a user of the common database research data from the extracted research data.    
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the links between the data concerning research results and the data upon which the research results are based track logical relationships between the data concerning research results, the data upon which the research results are based.  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the data upon which the research results are based include phenotype data and genotype data.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the data upon which the research results are based include information concerning equipment and supplies used in generating the research results.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the data upon which the research results are based include information concerning biomaterial used in generating the research results.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the data upon which the research results are based include information concerning protocols used in generating the research results.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the memory is further adapted for storing instructions performed by the processor for: 
 providing a reviewer with access to the research data stored in the common database; 
 receiving an input from the reviewer; and  
 labeling selected research data stored in the common database as approved by the reviewer for public distribution from the common database based on the input from the reviewer.  
   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the memory is further adapted for storing instructions performed by the processor for distributing research data selected for distribution by the user.  
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the memory is further adapted for storing instructions performed by the processor for distributing the research data in a defined database table structure.  
     
     
         19 . A computer program, residing on a computer-readable medium, for integrating and distributing research data, comprising instructions for causing a computer to: 
 receive research data selectively extracted from a local database, the research data including data concerning research results and data upon which the research results are based, wherein the data concerning research results are linked to the data upon which the research results are based; and    store the extracted research data in a common database.    
     
     
         20 . The computer program of  claim 19 , wherein the links between the data concerning research results and the data upon which the research results are based track logical relationships between the data concerning research results and the data upon which the research results are based.  
     
     
         21 . The computer program of  claim 17 , wherein the data upon which the research results are based include phenotype data and genotype data.  
     
     
         22 . The computer program of  claim 17 , wherein the data upon which the research results are based include information concerning equipment and supplies used in generating the research results.  
     
     
         23 . The computer program of  claim 17 , wherein the data upon which the research results are based include information concerning biomaterial used in generating the research results.  
     
     
         24 . The computer program of  claim 17 , wherein the data upon which the research results are based include information concerning protocols used in generating the research results.  
     
     
         25 . The computer program of  claim 17 , further comprising instructions for causing a computer to: 
 provide a reviewer with access to the research data stored in the common database;    receive an input from the reviewer; and    label selected research data stored in the common database as approved by the reviewer for public distribution from the common database based on the input from the reviewer.    
     
     
         26 . The computer program of  claim 17 , further comprising instructions for causing the computer to distribute from the common database research data, which are selected for distribution by the user.  
     
     
         27 . The computer program of  claim 17 , further comprising instructions for causing the computer to distribute the research data in a defined database table structure.