Dynamic Data Layouts for Time-Series Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data warehouse technologies face challenges in efficiently storing and analyzing large volumes of time series data due to the unique nature of this type of data, which differs from conventional data, and existing storage and retrieval techniques are not well-suited for time-series data.

Innovation Solution

A data storage and retrieval system that dynamically adapts the data format based on analysis of queries and data characteristics, switching to a more suitable format for subsequent data storage to improve processing efficiency and storage utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional data storage techniques are used for time series data, then storage capacity is adequate, but query performance and processing efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery performanceVSAvoiddata format adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the data storage format based on query patterns and data characteristics. The data warehouse automatically transitions between different storage formats (e.g., from row-based to column-based, or from normalized to denormalized) to optimize query performance for the current workload, making the storage system flexible and adaptive rather than static

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes storage parameters such as data organization structure, compression ratios, and indexing strategies based on analyzed query patterns. By monitoring query workloads and adjusting storage format parameters accordingly, the system optimizes processing efficiency for different types of time series queries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If data is stored in a format optimized for storage efficiency, then storage utilization improves, but retrieval speed and analysis performance worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage utilizationVSAvoidretrieval speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the balance between storage efficiency and retrieval speed by changing data format characteristics based on query patterns. When analytical queries are detected, the system may use higher compression ratios or more aggregated storage formats; when real-time retrieval is needed, it uses less compressed but faster access formats

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The data warehouse segments time series data into different storage formats or storage areas based on access patterns and query types. Hot data frequently accessed by queries is stored in optimized formats for fast retrieval, while cold data is stored in highly compressed formats, allowing the system to optimize both storage utilization and retrieval speed simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If a single data format is used for all time series data, then system complexity is reduced, but performance across diverse query types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoiddata format management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic format adaptation where a single data warehouse infrastructure automatically adjusts storage formats based on query patterns rather than requiring manual configuration of multiple static formats. The complexity is managed through automated query pattern analysis and adaptive transformation logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The data warehouse system is designed to handle multiple data formats and query types through a universal architecture that can adapt to different storage formats as needed. The system provides multi-functionality by supporting various query patterns (aggregation, filtering, time-range queries) through a single adaptive storage system rather than requiring separate specialized systems

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

Data Source

PatentUS10853373B1Dynamic data layouts for time-series data
Publication Date: 2020.12.01 AMAZON TECH INC
  • US10853373B1 patent drawing
  • US10853373B1 patent drawing
  • US10853373B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A data storage and retrieval system receives data points for a time series. The data storage and retrieval system stores the data points for a first portion of the time series using a first data format. Based at least in part on an analysis of queries performed on the first portion of the time series, the data storage and retrieval system determines to store a second portion of the time series using a second data format. The data storage and retrieval system stores subsequently received data points of the time series in the second data format.