Object Schema API Query Coalescing for Faster Data Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing APIs generate a large number of queries for one-to-many data relationships, leading to inefficient resource usage and increased processing time for read and write operations.

Innovation Solution

Optimizing queries by generating a graph projection of the API, identifying data caching opportunities, and coalescing subqueries to reduce the number of queries through parallel execution and data denormalization across cloud locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional API query generation is used for one-to-many data relationships, then data can be retrieved from multiple sources, but the number of queries increases significantly leading to inefficient resource usage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery processing efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of queries
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple subqueries into a single optimized query by identifying common data access patterns across multiple nodes in the graph projection. Instead of executing separate queries for each node, the system combines them into one query that retrieves all necessary data in a single operation, thereby reducing the total number of queries while maintaining comprehensive data retrieval.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the graph projection to identify caching opportunities and data denormalization possibilities before query execution. By pre-processing the query plan to detect patterns and prepare optimized execution strategies, the system reduces the number of actual queries that need to be executed against data sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If multiple subqueries are generated for each node in the navigable path, then complete data can be retrieved, but processing time increases due to sequential query execution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata completenessVSAvoidquery processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple subqueries targeting different nodes but accessing the same or overlapping data sources are merged into a single query. This combination ensures that all required data is retrieved in one operation rather than through multiple sequential queries, maintaining data completeness while reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optimized query execution maintains continuous data retrieval operations by eliminating idle time between sequential query executions. The system processes all necessary data access operations in a single continuous query execution flow, preventing gaps and delays that would occur with traditional sequential query processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If data is accessed from multiple cloud locations, then data availability is improved, but resource usage increases due to redundant data retrieval

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata availabilityVSAvoidresource usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality optimization by identifying which data can be cached at specific cloud locations based on access patterns. Instead of uniformly retrieving data from all locations, the system optimizes data placement and retrieval strategies for each location, caching frequently accessed data locally to reduce redundant cross-location data transfers and associated resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional query execution is used without optimization, then implementation is simple, but the number of queries and processing overhead are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidquery optimization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary optimization layer between the API layer and the data sources. This intermediary component automatically analyzes query patterns, identifies optimization opportunities, and generates optimized queries without requiring changes to the existing API interface or data source structures. The intermediary handles the complexity of query optimization transparently, maintaining ease of implementation while achieving performance improvements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3465435B1Optimizing read and write operations in object schema-based application programming interfaces (APIS)
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 INTUIT INC
  • EP3465435B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3465435B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3465435B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to processing read requests to retrieve data from a plurality of data sources. According to one embodiment, an example method includes determining a navigable path of nodes accessed to satisfy a read request based on a graph projection of an application programming interface (API). An API service generates a plurality of subqueries, each subqueries being associated with a node in the navigable path. While traversing the navigable path to satisfy the read request, the API service identifies data associated with lower level nodes that is cached at a data source associated with a current node, replaces subqueries directed to data stored at the current node and the identified data with a single subquery executed against the data source associated with the current node, and executes the single subquery at the current node. The API service returns data accessed during traversal of the navigable path.