MOLAP Cube Reconstruction via Backup Tables

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Solution Overview

Problem

In multidimensional online analytical processing (MOLAP) systems, existing methods for reconstructing cubes often result in data integrity issues due to reliance on database data, which can be lost during the reconstruction process.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for reconstructing cubes within the MOLAP system that utilize data stored in the old cube to generate a new cube, eliminating the need to retrieve data from the database, ensuring data integrity during model and data reconstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the cube is reconstructed by deleting the old cube and retrieving data from the database, then the cube model can be updated, but data integrity may be damaged due to potential data loss in the database

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecube model update capabilityVSAvoiddata integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by creating a backup copy of the old cube data before deletion. The backup is stored in a backup table with the same structure as the original cube table, preserving all data before any reconstruction operations occur. This ensures that even if database data is lost or corrupted during reconstruction, the original cube data can be restored from the backup, thereby maintaining data integrity while enabling model updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If all data is retrieved from the database during cube reconstruction, then the cube can be rebuilt, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconstruction process simplicityVSAvoidreconstruction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary data for reconstruction from the backup table rather than retrieving all data from the database. The system identifies and extracts only the data that needs to be updated or reconstructed, leaving the rest of the cube data intact in the backup. This selective extraction significantly reduces reconstruction time while maintaining the simplicity of the reconstruction process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the old cube is completely deleted before reconstruction, then a new cube model can be created, but data loss occurs if the database data is unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenew cube model creationVSAvoiddata loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by creating a backup copy of the old cube data before any deletion or reconstruction operations. The backup table stores a complete copy of the original cube data, serving as a safety cushion against potential data loss. If the reconstruction process encounters issues or if database data is unavailable, the original data can be restored from the backup, preventing data loss while still allowing new cube models to be created.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10437816B2Method and apparatus for reconstructing cube in multidimensional online analytical processing system
Publication Date: 2019.10.08 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US10437816B2 patent drawing
  • US10437816B2 patent drawing
  • US10437816B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for reconstructing a cube in a multidimensional online analytical processing (MOLAP) system, where a cube is reconstructed based on a received reconstruction request and data stored in an old cube, and there is no need to acquire, from a database, data required for updating the cube, thereby ensuring data integrity when model reconstruction and data reconstruction are performed in the MOLAP system.