Backfill Processor for Distributed Node Data Sequence Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In distributed systems tasked with transferring data records to an external database, failed transfer attempts due to network issues or configuration problems can lead to out-of-sequence updates, especially when nodes lack read access to the external database.

Innovation Solution

The distributed node system implements local logging operations to append transfer status identifiers to data records, and a backfill processor re-attempts transfers from a delayed re-try queue only if the transfer status matches the newest version in the system, ensuring sequential updates without read access to the external database.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nodes retry failed transfers independently without centralized coordination, then transfer resilience is improved, but data sequence integrity deteriorates due to out-of-order updates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer resilienceVSAvoiddata sequence integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where nodes report transfer status (success/failure) to a centralized backfill processor, which then coordinates re-try attempts. This feedback loop enables centralized sequencing decisions while allowing distributed transfer execution, resolving the contradiction between transfer resilience and data sequence integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

A centralized backfill processor acts as an intermediary between distributed nodes and the external database. It receives transfer status reports, determines sequencing based on version identifiers, and coordinates re-try attempts. This intermediary layer enables independent node operation while maintaining centralized control over data sequence integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If nodes lack read access to external database, then system security and autonomy are improved, but ability to verify transfer status deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem autonomyVSAvoidtransfer status verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The backfill processor serves as an intermediary that centralizes the verification function. Instead of nodes needing read access to verify transfers themselves, the backfill processor receives status reports from nodes and performs centralized verification using version identifiers. This maintains system autonomy while enabling transfer status verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces direct read-access verification (mechanical system) with version identifier comparison (information-based system). Nodes include version identifiers in transfer requests and the backfill processor verifies status by comparing these identifiers against database state, eliminating the need for nodes to have read access while maintaining verification capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If the system implements centralized backfill processing, then data sequence integrity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata sequence integrityVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex sequencing and verification logic is extracted from individual nodes and consolidated into a dedicated backfill processor. This separates the simple transfer execution function (remaining at nodes) from the complex coordination function (centralized), reducing per-node complexity while maintaining overall data sequence integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The backfill processor is designed as a universal coordination component that handles multiple functions: receiving transfer status reports, determining sequencing based on version identifiers, coordinating re-try attempts, and verifying transfer completion. This multi-functional design consolidates complexity into a single component rather than distributing it across multiple nodes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12242504B2Mechanism for backfilling records dropped during transfer from distributed node system

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A method for backfilling records dropped by a distributed node system during a transfer to an external database includes initially determining whether an attempt to transfer a data record failed or succeeded. In response to determining that the transfer succeeded, the data record is appended at its original location include a first transfer status identifier. In response to determining that the transfer failed, the data record is appended to include a second transfer status identifier and queued copy of the data record is created by copying the data record to a delayed re-try queue. The method further includes verifying that the transfer status identifier of the queued copy is identical to the transfer status identifier of a newest version of the data record within the distributed node system and, responsive to the verification, attempting a subsequent transfer of the queued copy of the data record to the external database.