OLAP Analysis Thread Capture for Visualization Refresh

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transferring insights from OLAP analysis to data visualization tools like PowerPoint is time-consuming and requires manual intervention, as users must manually save and import query views, making the transition between reporting and visualization environments cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that record OLAP analysis steps, including queries and results, into analysis step records, which are then transferred to data visualization tools, allowing seamless integration and automatic refreshment of data without affecting formatting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual saving and importing of query views is used to transfer data from OLAP client to visualization tool, then data transfer can be completed, but the process is very time consuming and requires repeated manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidtime for manual saving and importing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs preliminary actions by capturing and recording the analysis thread (sequence of query steps) in the OLAP client before the user needs to present the data. This automated preliminary capture eliminates the need for manual saving and importing operations, directly resolving the time-consuming nature of data transfer between tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If existing tools like SAP BusinessObjects Live Office are used to refresh visualizations periodically, then data can be updated, but users must manually save each query view and import them one by one

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata refresh capabilityVSAvoidmanual intervention required for each query view

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the previously separate operations of saving query views, importing them to visualization tools, and refreshing data into a single automated process. The analysis thread capture functionality combines multiple query steps into one unified record that can be transferred and refreshed as a complete sequence, eliminating the need to handle each query view individually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The analysis thread record serves as an intermediary structure that bridges the OLAP client and the visualization tool. Instead of directly manually transferring each query view, the system uses the automated analysis thread capture as a mediator to transfer the complete analysis sequence, reducing manual complexity while maintaining data refresh reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual transfer of analysis data to presentation tools is performed, then insights can be shared, but the transition between reporting and visualization environments is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsight sharing capabilityVSAvoidtransition between environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The analysis thread capture functionality provides a universal solution that works across different OLAP clients and presentation tools. By capturing the analysis thread in a standardized format that can be transferred to various visualization tools (PowerPoint, Word, etc.), the system enables seamless transition between reporting and visualization environments without requiring tool-specific manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8892501B2Capturing OLAP analysis thread as refreshable business intelligence data

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 SAP SE

AI summary

Described herein are methods and systems for capturing OLAP analysis thread and transferring the data into a data visualization tool. According to one aspect, OLAP analysis step queries and the corresponding results are recorded and transferred to a data visualization tool. In another aspect, the data in the data visualization tool may be refreshed without affecting the data format.