Context Locking in Crosstab Member Sets

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Online Analytic Processing (OLAP) systems, there is no mechanism to lock the context of a filtered set of members in a crosstab, causing it to change with global report context changes, which is undesirable when the set should only update based on data changes in the underlying data source.

Innovation Solution

A context locking system comprising a lock request manager, context information manager, and locking manager that allows users to lock the context of a selected set of members in a crosstab, preventing changes due to global report context modifications while allowing updates based on data source changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a filtered set of members is defined in a crosstab query, then the set dynamically updates based on global report context changes, but this causes the set to change when it should remain static

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic updating of member setsVSAvoidstability of member set composition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the global report context into isolated contexts for different member sets. Each filtered set of members is assigned its own independent context that is separate from the global report context, allowing individual sets to maintain stability while the overall report remains dynamic. This is achieved through context isolation mechanisms that prevent changes in global context from propagating to locked sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by locking the context of filtered member sets before the report is executed or before context changes occur. The system identifies which sets should maintain stability and pre-establishes their isolated contexts, preventing subsequent global context changes from affecting these sets. This proactive approach ensures that sets remain static when needed without requiring continuous monitoring or adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If a hard-coded list of members is specified, then the set remains static and impervious to context changes, but the set cannot update itself when underlying data changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of member set compositionVSAvoidability to update based on data changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating between locked and unlocked member sets within the same report. Each set can have its own context locking status, allowing some sets to be static while others remain dynamic. The system selectively applies context isolation to specific sets based on user requirements, enabling fine-grained control over which sets update with data changes and which maintain fixed composition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamics by making the context locking status configurable and changeable. Sets can transition between locked and unlocked states, allowing users to adjust the behavior of member sets based on their specific needs. The system dynamically manages context isolation, enabling sets to update when underlying data changes if they are not locked, while maintaining stability when locked.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If no context locking mechanism exists, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but users cannot define filtered sets independent of global report context

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of defining member setsVSAvoidability to define independent filtered sets

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary context layer between the global report context and individual filtered member sets. This intermediary mechanism allows users to define sets with their own isolated contexts without complicating the overall system architecture. The context isolation framework acts as a mediator that transparently manages context independence, requiring minimal user intervention while enabling advanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8838623B2System and method for locking context of sets of members in crosstabs

Publication Date: 2014.09.16 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A context locking method and system lock context of a set of members in a crosstab for further data exploration and analysis. The context locking system has a context information manager and a locking manager. The context locking method information manager collects context information of the selected member. The context locking method manager locks the context of the selected set based on the context information during further exploration or analysis of the crosstab, while allowing the locked set to reflect data changes in the data source.