Retrieval-Augmented Generation With Classifier-Routed Data Domains

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) processes struggle with complex data storage systems, including multiple data domains, formats, and access permissions, leading to inefficient and irrelevant responses.

Innovation Solution

A method to generate a training dataset for a classifier that determines the appropriate retrieval process from a plurality of processes based on input prompts, using embeddings and machine learning to select the optimal data retrieval method, considering data sources, domains, formats, and access permissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a RAG process provides access to all data stored by an organisation as a single data source, then the LLM can access comprehensive information, but the system cannot handle complex data organisation, access rights, and multiple data domains effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of data accessibleVSAvoiddata organisation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the organisation's data into multiple distinct data domains (e.g., HR, finance, operations) with different access rights and organisational structures. Each data domain is treated as a separate entity with its own retrieval process, allowing the system to manage complexity while maintaining comprehensive data access through modular organisation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If the RAG process retrieves data from multiple data domains, then more relevant information can be found, but it is unclear which data domain should be used for a given prompt

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelevance of retrieved dataVSAvoiddifficulty of selecting appropriate data domain
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary classification layer that receives the user prompt and determines the appropriate data domain before data retrieval occurs. This intermediary classifier acts as a mediator between the prompt and multiple data domains, routing queries to the correct domain based on the prompt's content and intent, thereby solving the ambiguity of domain selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If different retrieval methods are used for different data formats, then retrieval accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases due to multiple retrieval processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretrieval accuracyVSAvoidnumber of retrieval processes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal retrieval system that can handle multiple data formats (structured, unstructured, semi-structured) through a single multi-functional architecture. The system uses a unified embedding-based search mechanism that works across different data types, eliminating the need for separate retrieval processes for each format while maintaining high retrieval accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If access permissions are enforced for different users, then data security improves, but the retrieval process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidaccess control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by applying different access permission rules to different data domains based on user roles and responsibilities. Each data domain has its own access control characteristics tailored to the specific security requirements of that domain, allowing the system to enforce comprehensive security policies while maintaining simplicity through domain-specific rather than system-wide complex access control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4641447A1Retrieval augmented generation
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 VODAFONE GROUP SERVICES LTD
  • EP4641447A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
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  • EP4641447A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for generating a response to an input prompt are provided, in which a classifier is used to determine a retrieval process, from a plurality of retrieval processes, for use in generating a response to the input prompt. Methods and apparatus are also provided for training a classifier for determining a retrieval process, from a plurality of retrieval process and for generating a training dataset for training the classifier.