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Enhanced mechanisms for managing multidimensional data

  • US 9,817,876 B2
  • Filed: 06/29/2015
  • Issued: 11/14/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2015
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:

  • identifying a structure in a conventional spreadsheet based on cell formula and cell location during import of the conventional spreadsheet, the structure in the conventional spreadsheet including a set of cells, wherein the conventional spreadsheet is imported as in without modification;

    bi-directionally mapping the set of cells to iterations and aggregations on a multidimensional data structure, wherein the mapping associates ranges and objects from the multidimensional data structure, wherein the multidimensional data structure is an online analytical processing (OLAP) structure;

    identifying patterns based on cell relationships and OLAP mapping;

    maintaining a duality and bi-directional mapping between the conventional spreadsheet and the OLAP structure and avoiding formula translations, wherein maintaining the duality and bi-directional mapping includes performing calculations using an embedded spreadsheet calculus engine such that no formula translations are necessary, wherein the duality and bidirectional mapping allows the spreadsheet to be manipulated as if it was an OLAP cube, modifying iterations within the dimensions, and the OLAP cube to be computed as if it was a spreadsheet;

    generating an enhanced collaborative spreadsheet using the OLAP structure via an enhanced multidimensional data management system, wherein the enhanced multidimensional data management system is configured to handle a variety of spreadsheets not initially designed with the objective of potential enhancements and modifications;

    receiving modifications to the enhanced collaborative spreadsheet and the corresponding OLAP structure, wherein modifications to the conventional spreadsheet are made to match the data modified in the OLAP structure, wherein modifications include inserting or deleting lines and rows to allow for automatic update of the OLAP structure and the enhanced collaborative spreadsheet; and

    versioning all scenarios of modifications, wherein each cell in the set of cells includes a versioning mechanism such that individual cells from multiple versions of a same spreadsheet file can be synchronized and manipulated simultaneously, and wherein versioning is not natively supported inside the conventional spreadsheet.

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