Distributed Prefix Tree Processing for Scalable Hierarchical Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional relational databases face limitations in scaling to large amounts of data, require costly hardware for adequate query performance, and are inefficient for storing and accessing hierarchical data, especially in distributed systems for web crawling and data retrieval tasks.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for processing prefix tree files using a selected agent, where a file with a prefix tree is identified, and an agent is chosen from a plurality to process it, enabling distributed processing and load-balancing across multiple nodes, allowing for efficient storage and querying of large datasets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional relational databases are used for storing and accessing hierarchical data, then data can be stored in a structured format, but the system exhibits limited scalability and requires costly hardware for adequate query performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery performanceVSAvoidscalability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the hierarchical data storage system into multiple prefix tree files distributed across a network. Each prefix tree file stores a portion of the hierarchical data, allowing the system to scale by adding more files and nodes without requiring a complete system redesign. This segmentation enables both good query performance on individual files and overall system scalability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional relational database tables to a multi-dimensional prefix tree structure where data is organized hierarchically with nodes representing different levels of the hierarchy. This dimensional change allows for more efficient querying of hierarchical data and enables distributed storage across multiple network nodes, improving both performance and scalability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If relational databases are used for web crawling data retrieval, then data can be stored with constraints and joins, but the system experiences high processing overhead and cannot easily be distributed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata retrieval capabilityVSAvoidsystem distribution capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the web crawling system into multiple independent nodes, each maintaining its own prefix tree files. This allows the system to be distributed across a network while maintaining full data retrieval capabilities. Each node can independently process crawling tasks and query its local prefix trees, eliminating the single-point bottleneck of centralized relational databases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal prefix tree data structure that can serve multiple functions: storing hierarchical data, enabling efficient querying, supporting distributed storage, and facilitating web crawling operations. This multi-functional structure replaces the need for complex relational database operations like joins and constraints, simplifying the system while maintaining operational capability.

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

3Quantity of substance

If relational databases are used for storing large amounts of hierarchical data, then data can be accessed with established query languages, but the system requires costly redundant arrays of independent disks to achieve adequate performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata storage capacityVSAvoidhardware cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides large hierarchical datasets into multiple prefix tree files that can be distributed across standard storage devices in a network. This eliminates the need for expensive RAID hardware by using software-based distribution across multiple nodes, each with ordinary storage capabilities. The segmented structure allows linear scaling of storage capacity by adding more network nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses prefix tree files that can be copied and distributed across multiple network nodes. Instead of requiring expensive redundant hardware arrays, the system creates multiple copies of the distributed data structure across standard storage devices, achieving both redundancy and scalability through software-based copying rather than hardware-based RAID configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS7979418B1System, method, and computer program product for processing a prefix tree file utilizing a selected agent
Publication Date: 2011.07.12 MCAFEE LLC
  • US7979418B1 patent drawing
  • US7979418B1 patent drawing
  • US7979418B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system, method, and computer program product are provided for processing a prefix tree file utilizing a selected agent. In use, a file including a prefix tree is identified. Additionally, an agent is selected from a plurality of agents to process the file. Further, the file is processed utilizing the agent.