Spreadsheet Model Data Sets for Easier Query Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Constructing complex database query statements is difficult for most users, and frequent database requests are computationally and financially expensive.
Innovation Solution
A query manager receives instructions through a spreadsheet interface to create a model data set from a data source, builds a query statement, and stores it in a schema storage location within a data warehouse, enabling reusable modeling layers and reducing computational overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users directly access data warehouse using SQL queries, then data access capability is provided, but construction complexity and computational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a query manager as an intermediary layer between users and the data warehouse. This query manager translates user-friendly spreadsheet interface operations into optimized SQL queries, eliminating the need for users to directly construct complex SQL statements while maintaining efficient data access to the data warehouse.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the data access process into distinct layers: a user-facing spreadsheet interface layer for easy data manipulation, a query management layer for query optimization and generation, and the underlying data warehouse layer. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with optimized functionality, reducing overall system complexity for end users.
2Speed
If frequent database requests are made, then data access responsiveness is improved, but computational and financial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The query manager pre-compiles and optimizes query statements before they are executed against the data warehouse. By preparing queries in advance and storing them in an optimized form, the system reduces the computational overhead required during actual data access operations, thereby lowering computational costs while maintaining fast response times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms user-friendly parameter specifications from the spreadsheet interface into optimized query parameters that are efficient for database execution. This parameter transformation allows the same data access requests to be executed with reduced computational resources by using optimized query formulations generated by the query manager.
3Productivity
If complex SQL queries are used, then data retrieval capability is enhanced, but user accessibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the data warehouse structure in the form of a spreadsheet interface. This spreadsheet copy mirrors the data relationships and structure but presents them in a familiar, easy-to-use format. Users can perform data retrieval operations on this spreadsheet copy without needing to understand or write complex SQL queries, as the query manager handles the translation to optimized SQL statements.
Data Source
AI summary
Creating accessible model data sets including receiving, by a query manager via a spreadsheet interface, an instruction to create a model data set using a data source from a data warehouse, wherein the model data set is a reusable modeling layer comprising at least a portion of the data source; building, by the query manager using the instruction to create the model data set, a first query statement comprising instructions to generate the model data set from the portion of the data source; and storing, by the query manager, the first query statement in a schema storage location within the data warehouse.