Cache Invalidation Data Structure for Efficient Entry Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inefficient cache invalidation in large cache systems, where manually initiated invalidation requests require costly and time-consuming searches through numerous cache entries to identify and mark entries for removal.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an invalidation data structure that stores invalidation requests, allowing for faster access and identification of cache entries to be invalidated, without the need to search through the entire cache, and using this structure to determine whether requested data has been invalidated before retrieving it from the cache or directing the request to another data source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cache entries are invalidated by searching through the entire cache, then all outdated entries can be identified, but the time and computational resources required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an invalidation data structure as an intermediary between the invalidation request and the cache entries. This structure stores invalidation requests and allows the system to efficiently determine which cache entries need to be invalidated without searching through the entire cache. The invalidation data structure acts as a mediator that enables fast lookup and identification of entries to be invalidated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by storing invalidation requests in advance in the invalidation data structure before they are needed. When a data retrieval request comes in, the system checks the pre-stored invalidation requests to determine if the requested data is invalidated, rather than searching through the cache at the moment of retrieval.
2Productivity
If the cache contains a large number of entries, then more data can be cached for faster access, but the cost of searching through the cache increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cache management function into two separate structures: the cache itself for storing data entries, and the invalidation data structure for tracking invalidation requests. This segmentation allows the cache to grow large for improved data retrieval speed while the invalidation data structure handles the complexity of tracking which entries need to be invalidated, separating the concerns of data storage and invalidation management.
3Reliability
If cache entries are immediately removed upon invalidation, then data accuracy is maintained, but system performance decreases due to frequent cache operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the action of checking invalidation status in advance before data retrieval. By checking the invalidation data structure beforehand, the system can determine whether to serve cached data or fetch from the data source, avoiding the need for immediate removal operations and reducing the impact on system throughput while maintaining data accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Performing efficient cache invalidation is disclosed, including: receiving an invalidation request to invalidate one or more invalidated cache entries at a cache storage: determining whether an invalidation pattern included in the invalidation request matches an invalidation pattern associated with an existing invalidation entry of an invalidation data structure; in the event that the invalidation pattern included in the invalidation request matches the invalidation pattern associated with the existing invalidation entry of the invalidation data structure, updating the existing invalidation entry with an invalidation timestamp included in the invalidation request, and in the event that the invalidation pattern included in the invalidation request does not match invalidation patterns associated with existing invalidation entries of the invalidation data structure, generating a new invalidation entry in the invalidation data structure with the invalidation pattern and the invalidation timestamp included in the invalidation request.