Virtual dimensions in databases and method therefor
AssigneeMicrosoft Corporation
InventorsCristian Petculescu, Amir Netz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method, apparatus, and software are disclosed for analyzing the data in an OLAP or other type of database. The data is analyzed as if it were indexed by desired dimensions without actually creating the dimensions. Relations known as virtual dimensions are defined in relation to existing base dimensions in the database rather than in relation to the underlying detailed data. Functions operating on these virtual dimensions are translated into functions that operate on the existing base dimensions. As a result, the need to perform certain precalculations is avoided, thereby promoting efficient use of computing resources.
Claims20
A computer-implemented method for analyzing data in a database, the method comprising:
- associating a selected property value of each one of a set of base dimension members with a corresponding one of the set of base dimension members;
- determining a set of distinct property values for the set of base dimension members;
- and
- for each distinct property value, computing an aggregate of the base dimension members that have that distinct property value.
A computer-readable medium for analyzing data in a database, the computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for:
- associating a selected property value of each one of a set of base dimension members with a corresponding one of the set of base dimension members;
- determining a set of distinct property values for the set of base dimension members;
- and
- for each distinct property value, computing an aggregate of the base dimension members that have that distinct property value.
A computer arrangement for analyzing data in a database, the computer arrangement configured to:
- associate a selected property value of each one of a set of base dimension members with a corresponding one of the set of base dimension members;
- determine a set of distinct property values for the set of base dimension members;
- and
- for each distinct property value, compute an aggregate of the base dimension members that have that distinct property value.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.