Compound Index for Hybrid Query Joining Without Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional database systems face inefficiencies when processing hybrid queries that combine multiple attribute types, as they require sorting constituent query results from different indices before joining them, which is a resource-intensive operation.
Innovation Solution
A software facility uses a compound index that integrates textual, relational, and geographic criteria, allowing for the direct joining of constituent results without sorting, by maintaining item IDs in a consistent order across indices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional database systems process hybrid queries by independently querying separate indices for different attribute types, then each index can be optimized for its specific attribute type, but the constituent query results must be sorted into a common order before joining, which consumes significant computing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate indices (relational index and geographic index) into a unified index structure that maintains data items in a common order across all attribute types. This allows hybrid queries to retrieve constituent results that are already sorted consistently, eliminating the need for post-query sorting operations and reducing computing resource consumption while maintaining query accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary ordering of data items during index construction, establishing a consistent order across all attribute types before queries are executed. This preliminary action ensures that when hybrid queries are processed, the constituent query results are already in the correct order for joining, avoiding the need for expensive sorting operations during query execution.
2Productivity
If separate indices with different structures are used to represent different attribute types, then each index can effectively identify data items based on its specific attribute type, but the constituent query results they produce list items in different orders requiring sorting before joining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a unified index structure that serves multiple functions: it maintains separate attribute type representations (relational and geographic) while simultaneously enforcing a common ordering across all data items. This multi-functional index allows efficient querying of any attribute type while producing consistently ordered results, eliminating the need for separate sorting operations.
3Productivity
If constituent query results are sorted before joining to enable efficient joining operations, then the joining process becomes much more efficient, but the sorting operation itself consumes significant computing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the ordering action preliminarily during index construction, establishing a consistent order across all data items in the unified index. When hybrid queries are executed, the constituent query results are retrieved already in the correct order, eliminating the need for time-consuming sorting operations before joining while maintaining efficient joining performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A facility for representing a set of items each potentially having a value for each of a group of attributes is described. The items are represented in a database made up of two or more discrete components. Each component corresponds to a proper subset of group of attributes, and represents for every item of the set the values of its proper subset of attributes. Every component is organized such that data items are represented within it in the same order.