Object Oriented Databases

Maria's post describes the overall function of databases, saying:  “They [databases] are structured to collect and store information so the users can add, update or retrieve the information automatically.” There are two major types of databases, relational and object orientated databases.  A simple wikipedia definition of an object orientated database is” a database management in which information is represented in the form of objects used in object-orientated programming. An example of such a database is shown below:

Relation databases, on the other hand, “try to figure out how to represent real-world objects within the confines of tables in such a way that good performance results and preserving data integrity are possible.” Representing real objects in a table in a logical and comprehensive way is not always easy or effective, and so the industry was pushed to look further into object oriented databases. It is clear that, “Object-orientation is yet another step in the quest for expressing solutions to problems in a more natural, easier to understand way.” The major advantage of the objected- oriented databases is that they are able to handle many data types, including: graphics, photographs, audio, and video.

Some common uses of object- oriented databases are in Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) applications. These programs all require efficient management of very complex information. Object-oriented database technology is often used in factory and office automation. The attached article uses the example of aircraft manufacturing. Aircrafts have several small parts and pieces that must be organized, tracked, and assembled in different configurations. Object-oriented database systems can greatly aid in a process such as this. Another example is a French electric company, Electricite de France, that uses an object-oriented database to manage overhead power lines. Finally, we see the use of object-oriented databases in the healthcare industry.  Physicians use these databases to store x-rays and transmit them to clinics away from the main hospital. We also see hospital patient care tracking systems using object-oriented database technologies for simplicity.

 Sources:

 http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=14&ved=0CEQQFjADOAo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthescipub.com%2Fpdf%2F10.3844%2Fjcssp.2006.781.784&ei=y_kXUdiGH6jA0AHa94CYCg&usg=AFQjCNF0XxkYXMLWX3ZI-QDB8zMfWkRb4w&sig2=iQMS-uW-3UTXvQ7DLetK3g&bvm=bv.42080656,d.dmQ

http://www.personal.psu.edu/glh10/ist110/topic/topic07/topic07_06.html