Method to convert dates in six- or seven-digit format into dates in eight-digit format, including two digits for the century, and methods for packing and unpacking such eight-digit dates

摘要

Year 2000 problems with dates are solved by providing a method for conversion of dates and storing the resulting dates in an unsigned packed decimal format whereby the converted dates can be stored in the storage space allocated to the original six- or seven-digit dates. Furthermore, a special procedure is provided for unpacking and packing dates in this unsigned packed decimal format providing dates in an unpacked format which can be processed by standard procedures. Mass storage of data comprising dates in six- og seven-digit format can be converted without demanding expansion or reallocation of storage space. <IMAGE>