"Temporal" Integrity Constraints in Temporal Databases

In this paper we consider a class of integrity constraints which describe admissible lifecycles of database objects, and which can be speciied by transition graphs. We present an algorithmic scheme for monitoring such constraints in temporal databases which eeciently support the concept of valid-time. The keys to eecient monitoring lie in storing lifecycle situations with respect to constraints, in utilizing the property of graphs being iteration-invariant, and in using basic operations of temporal databases to determine validity intervals. In particular, we give hints how to extend monitoring to transactions that involve retroactive and proactive modiications.