Database Storage Allocation Based on File Attributes

Solution Overview

Problem

Current database management systems face challenges in balancing concurrent access and storage space allocation, often requiring a trade-off between maximizing concurrency and minimizing storage use, which can change over time, forcing designers to choose between objectives at database creation time.

Innovation Solution

A system that dynamically selects storage allocation approaches based on file attributes, allowing for either sequential storage to minimize space or concurrent access, with a database management system (DBMS) that allocates storage by emphasizing either sequential physical storage or concurrent access based on file attribute values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If sequential physical storage allocation is used, then storage space is minimized, but concurrent access capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidconcurrent access

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic storage allocation by introducing a file attribute that can be modified at runtime to switch between sequential and concurrent allocation modes. The DBMS responds to allocation calls by selecting different approaches based on the current file attribute value, allowing the system to adapt to changing application needs without requiring database recreation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the allocation strategy flexible rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of storage allocation mode from a fixed design-time decision to a modifiable runtime parameter. By introducing a file attribute that controls the allocation approach and allowing it to be updated, the system can switch between sequential allocation (minimizing storage) and concurrent allocation (maximizing access) based on current application requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between these two opposing goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If concurrent access allocation is used, then concurrent access capability is maximized, but storage space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcurrent accessVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic storage allocation by introducing a file attribute that can be modified at runtime to switch between sequential and concurrent allocation modes. The DBMS responds to allocation calls by selecting different approaches based on the current file attribute value, allowing the system to adapt to changing application needs without requiring database recreation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the allocation strategy flexible rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of storage allocation mode from a fixed design-time decision to a modifiable runtime parameter. By introducing a file attribute that controls the allocation approach and allowing it to be updated, the system can switch between sequential allocation (minimizing storage) and concurrent allocation (maximizing access) based on current application requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between these two opposing goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If allocation approach is fixed at database creation, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to changing needs

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic storage allocation by introducing a file attribute that can be modified at runtime to switch between sequential and concurrent allocation modes. The DBMS responds to allocation calls by selecting different approaches based on the current file attribute value, allowing the system to adapt to changing application needs without requiring database recreation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the allocation strategy flexible rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the storage allocation system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both sequential allocation (for storage efficiency) and concurrent allocation (for access performance) within the same database structure. The file attribute acts as a universal control mechanism that determines which allocation strategy is applied, allowing a single database system to serve multiple operational requirements without needing separate database instances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7421446B1Allocation of storage for a database

Publication Date: 2008.09.02 UNISYS CORP

AI summary

Various approaches for allocating storage for a file are disclosed. In one approach, in response to each call to allocate an available portion of storage, one of a plurality of allocation approaches is selected based on a value of a file attribute associated with the file. If a first one of the allocation approaches is selected, a portion of storage is selected for storage of data using an approach that emphasizes storage of data in sequential physical storage. If a second one of the allocation approaches is selected, a portion of storage using an approach that emphasizes maintaining concurrent access to the file.