Database Manager Parallel Search Without Full Metadata Upload
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing media management systems face challenges in efficiently accessing and searching large media databases due to the need for full database upload, which is time-consuming and tedious, especially when limited by hardware resources and lack of standardization in accessing external databases.
Innovation Solution
A database manager that detects external database connections, reads and stores only a portion of the database file system initially, allowing immediate search requests based on media identifiers, and subsequently reads metadata in the background, enabling rapid search results without waiting for full metadata upload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the host device uploads the entire database from the external database, then the host device can answer search requests for media items, but the upload process takes a long time due to limited transmission resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the database access process into two phases: first uploading only the database file system structure (containing media identifiers and location information), then uploading metadata in the background. This segmentation allows search requests to be processed on the host device using the file system structure without waiting for the complete database upload, thereby reducing user wait time while maintaining search functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by uploading and processing the database file system structure before the complete database is uploaded. The host device receives and stores the file system structure in advance, enabling it to immediately process search requests based on media identifiers without waiting for the entire database to be transferred. The remaining metadata upload occurs in the background.
2Measurement precision
If the host device waits for the complete database upload before processing search requests, then accurate search results can be provided, but the user experience is degraded due to long waiting times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by providing search results based on the database file system structure without requiring the complete database upload. The host device can process search requests using media identifiers and location information from the file system structure, delivering functional search results immediately. The metadata upload continues in the background to enhance result accuracy over time without blocking user interaction.
3Device complexity
If the host device processes search requests only after complete database upload, then standardized access methods are simplified, but database interchangeability between different host devices is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances database interchangeability by implementing a universal access mechanism where the database file system structure serves as a standardized interface between external databases and host devices. Any host device can receive, store, and process the file system structure to immediately handle search requests, regardless of the complete database upload status. This universal approach allows databases to be efficiently accessed across different host devices without requiring device-specific customization.
Data Source
AI summary
A database manager comprises: a detector detecting a connection of an external database which comprises media files, a database file system comprising a media identifier comprising a file or directory path name and an identification on the location of the media file on the external database, and metadata for each of the media files; a database synchronizer reading and storing, as a first step, part of the database file system and, as a second step, part of the metadata when the at least a portion of the database file system is read; and a search request processor processing a search request for a media file in parallel with the second step, wherein the search request processor provides a search result based on the media identifier from the database file system, even when the metadata for the media file is not yet read and stored in the second step.