Populating data cubes using calculated relations
View Patent ↗The current invention discloses methods for transforming a set of relations into multidimensional data cubes. A syntheses process is disclosed that dynamically and with minimal user input eliminates ambiguities when populating a data cube by introducing table-like virtual relations. The methods are generic and applicable to many data warehouse designs. The methods support relational OLAP for a wider variety of data and structures than possible using current relational implementation schemas.
1. A method for synthesizing relations into hypercubes, comprising the computer implemented steps of:
(a) representing at least one calculated relation as a table supported by columns or domains,
(b) joining at least one of the columns or domains of said table with dimensions and other relations mapped into a hypercube,
(c) using said relations and said calculated relation and said join to populate said hypercube,
such that new relations are created from existing relations and table-like representations of calculated relations.
2. The method of claim 1 , comprising generating said hypercube from an initial set of relations and an initial hypercube by repeatedly applying operators that (i) modify relations including add relations, and/or (ii) modify the dimension structure in said hypercube.
3. The method of claim 1 , comprising following a join path such that the rows in said hypercube are determined to be contradiction free.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said calculated relation is determined based on structure of the dimension and/or said relations used to form said hypercube.
5. The method of claim 1 , comprising associating hierarchical structures with said dimensions in said hypercube.
6. The method of claim 5 , comprising translating or viewing said hypercube and said hierarchical structures as fact and dimension tables arranged in a star or snowflake schema.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said relations contain information including disease/health data about individuals, genotype readings and/or readings about environmental factors.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein said relations include a relation about a dimension with entries designating individuals and associating with said dimension a pedigree.
9. A computer system for synthesizing relations into hypercubes, the computer system comprising:
(a) computer means for representing at least one calculated relation as a table supported by columns or domains,
(b) computer means for joining at least one of the columns or domains of said table with dimensions and other relations mapped into a hypercube,
(c) computer means for using said relations and said calculated relation and said join to populate said hypercube,
such that new relations are created from existing relations and table-like representations of calculated relations.
10. The computer system of claim 9 , further including means for generating said hypercube from an initial set of relations and an initial hypercube by repeatedly applying operators that (i) modify relations, including adding relations, and/or (ii) modifing the dimension structure in said hypercube.
11. The computer system of claim 9 , further including means for following a join path such that the rows in said hypercube are determined to be contradiction free by the system.
12. The computer system of claim 9 , wherein said calculated relation is determined based on structure of the dimension and/or said relations used to form said hypercube.
13. The computer system of claim 9 , further including means for associating hierarchical structures with said dimensions in said hypercube.
14. The computer system of claim 13 , further including means for translating or viewing said hypercube and said hierarchical structures as fact and dimension tables arranged in a star or snowflake schema.
15. The computer system of claim 9 , wherein said relations contain information including disease/health data about individuals, genotype readings and/or readings about environmental factors.
16. The computer system of claim 9 , wherein said relations include a relation about a dimension with entries designating individuals and associating with said dimension a pedigree.