A database model for user interface management systems

A database approach to user interface management systems (UIMSs) that overcomes some of the problems of previous methods is proposed. The model is based on the simple concept that the user interface and application input and output data can reside together in a relational database. This approach is made possible by extending the normal database definition to include both graphical and nongraphical objects in the same table. The standard relational database command language, SQL, can then be extended by adding commands for graphical manipulations to create a powerful new method for creating user interfaces. A UIMS called EVA, designed as a first-pass attempt at implementing the database model, is presented