Dual-Path Data Retrieval System for Scalable Query Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

As data volumes in databases grow, the time required to retrieve relevant data increases, hindering the usefulness of databases for online use, especially in non-relational databases that require scalability and distribution across multiple computer systems.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising client computing devices, retrieval servers, search engine servers, data access servers, and distributed data stores, where search engine software and data access software work in tandem to process queries, with search engine software optimizing instant data retrieval and data access software handling batch processing for large data quantities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If data is stored in a distributed database system to achieve scalability, then the database can handle large amounts of data, but the time required to retrieve relevant data increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata volumeVSAvoiddata retrieval time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments data retrieval into two distinct pathways: a fast path for immediate results using search engine software, and a batch processing path for comprehensive results using data access software. This segmentation allows the system to handle large data volumes while providing both rapid and complete retrieval options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing and indexing data in the distributed database system before queries are executed. This includes organizing data in formats optimized for both fast search engine queries and comprehensive data access software queries, reducing retrieval time when queries are executed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If search engine software is used for fast data retrieval, then online responsiveness is improved, but the ability to process large quantities of data is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata retrieval speedVSAvoiddata processing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary layer that coordinates between search engine software and data access software. This intermediary manages query routing, result aggregation, and resource allocation, allowing the system to leverage both the speed of search engine software and the capacity of data access software for processing large data quantities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the capabilities of search engine software (fast retrieval) and data access software (batch processing) into a unified architecture. Queries can be routed to appropriate software based on requirements, and results from both systems can be combined to provide comprehensive answers that leverage both speed and capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Quantity of substance

If data access software handles batch processing for large data quantities, then processing capacity is improved, but responsiveness for instant retrieval is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing capacityVSAvoidretrieval time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between batch processing and fast retrieval pathways based on query characteristics, data size, and system state. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize for either capacity or speed depending on the specific requirements of each query, rather than being constrained to a single fixed mode of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3805943B1Data retrieval system and method
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 PALANTIR TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP3805943B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3805943B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3805943B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, performed by one or more processors, including: receiving a user query; deriving, based on the user query, a search engine query for use with search engine software and a data access query for use with data access software; sending, to the search engine software, the search engine query to cause the search engine software to locate first data stored in a search engine index; sending, to the data access software, the data access query to cause the data access software to locate second data stored in a distributed data store; receiving, from the search engine software, the first data; and receiving, from the data access software, the second data.