Cross-Referenced Irregular Field Storage Using Auxiliary Pointers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing database systems face inefficiencies and inconsistencies when storing varying-length fields, leading to storage inefficiencies and potential errors due to corrupted pointers, which limits the ability to maintain data integrity and detect inconsistencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cross-reference data storage structure using auxiliary pointers that store the address of a fixed-size memory slot within a variable-size memory slot, allowing for the verification of pointer consistency and improving data integrity by providing a second reference for irregular fields stored across multiple memory locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If varying-length fields are stored in databases, then storage efficiency is improved, but data consistency and reliability deteriorate due to potential pointer corruption and storage inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the pointer address and stores it in both the fixed-size memory slot and the variable-size memory slot. This duplicate storage of the pointer address enables consistency verification by comparing the two copies, thereby maintaining data reliability while allowing efficient variable-length field storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system automatically verifies pointer consistency by comparing the pointer address stored in the fixed-size slot with the one stored in the variable-size slot. When inconsistencies are detected, the system can identify and repair corrupted pointers, ensuring ongoing data consistency without manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If variable-size memory slots are used for irregular fields, then storage flexibility is improved, but detection of corrupted pointers becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By storing a copy of the pointer address in both the fixed-size and variable-size memory slots, the patent creates a reference mechanism that simplifies corruption detection. The system can easily compare the two identical copies to identify any modifications or corruptions, making detection straightforward despite the use of variable-size slots.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to detect pointer corruption directly in the variable-size slot, the patent inverts the approach by storing the same pointer information in a fixed-size slot where corruption is less likely. This allows the system to use the fixed-size slot as a reference to verify the integrity of the variable-size slot's pointer.
3Reliability
If cross-reference storage structure is implemented, then database consistency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional pointers and verification mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pointer address serve multiple functions: it acts as both a reference to the variable-size memory slot and as a value that can be verified for consistency. By storing the same pointer address in both fixed-size and variable-size slots, the system creates a multi-functional element that simultaneously enables efficient storage and consistency verification, justifying the additional structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved database consistency and consistency checking may be provided by cross-referenced split data storage for irregular fields using auxiliary pointers. A fixed-size memory slot may be allocated to a database table in a database system, where the fixed-size memory slot has an address. A variable-size memory slot may be allocated to the database table, where the variable-size memory slot has a different address. For an irregular field in the database table, one or more properties of the irregular field may be stored in the fixed-size memory slot. The one or more properties may include a first pointer which may have the address of the variable-size memory slot. For the irregular field in the database table, at least a portion of data of the irregular field and a second pointer, which may have the address of the fixed-size memory slot, may be stored in the variable-size memory slot.