Bit-Vector Record Compression for Parallel Processing Without Decompression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data compression methods in database systems require decompression for processing, leading to increased processing time and memory requirements, as they can only be processed sequentially and require large random access memory for intermediate results.

Innovation Solution

Divide binary data records into bit vectors, segmenting them into equal-sized partial areas, classify and combine non-trivial and quasi-trivial partial areas into R and O blocks, respectively, allowing for parallel processing without decompression by noting absolute positions and counts within these blocks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If data compression is applied to reduce data size, then storage space is reduced, but processing time increases due to required decompression

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata sizeVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides binary data records into multiple bit vectors, each representing a specific attribute or field. This segmentation allows independent processing of individual bit vectors without requiring complete decompression of the entire data structure, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining compression benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary classification of partial areas within bit vectors into trivial, quasi-trivial, and non-trivial categories during the compression phase. This preliminary organization enables direct processing of compressed data structures without full decompression, as the classification metadata stored during compression facilitates efficient query execution on compressed data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If sequential decompression is performed for processing, then data can be processed, but large random access memory is required for intermediate results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processabilityVSAvoidmemory requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting data into bit vectors with classified partial areas, the patent enables processing of only relevant segments rather than loading entire decompressed datasets into memory. The classification metadata allows selective access to specific bit vectors and partial areas, dramatically reducing memory requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial processing by allowing operations on compressed data structures without complete decompression. Only the necessary bit vectors and partial areas required for specific queries are processed, rather than decompressing and loading all data into memory, thus reducing memory consumption while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Quantity of substance

If data records are compressed without losing information, then storage efficiency improves, but the complexity of data structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoiddata structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent organizes compressed data into structured bit vectors with clearly defined partial areas (trivial, quasi-trivial, non-trivial). This structured segmentation provides a systematic framework that manages complexity through regular patterns and metadata, making the compressed structure more manageable than unstructured compression formats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the data representation by changing parameters such as organizing data into bit vectors with specific partial area classifications. This parameter transformation creates a standardized compressed format with inherent structure, reducing the perceived complexity through consistent organization patterns and metadata schemas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2531939B1Method and system for compressing data records and for processing compressed data records
Publication Date: 2014.04.09 PARSTREAM
  • EP2531939B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2531939B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2531939B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

System and method to compress data records by providing data records with a binary structure; dividing the data records into several bit vectors; reducing the size of each bit vector by dividing the bit vector into consecutive partial areas of equal size, each partial area consisting of n bits, classifying the partial areas as trivial partial areas, quasi-trivial partial areas and non-trivial partial areas, combining one non-trivial or several consecutive non-trivial partial areas into one so named R block, and removing the trivial partial areas; as well as combining one quasi-trivial or several consecutive quasi-trivial partial areas into one so named O block.