Forward Index for Cross-Vertical Search Queries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Social networking systems face inefficiencies in searching and retrieving data across different object types due to the need for accessing multiple verticals and indices, which can lead to increased complexity and reduced performance in handling complex search queries.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a forward index and an inverted index system allows for efficient search queries by mapping search terms to results across object types, enabling direct access to relevant data and improving search performance by reducing the need to access multiple verticals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple verticals and indices are accessed for complex search queries, then comprehensive search results can be obtained, but system complexity and access time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple vertical-specific indices into a unified forward index that maps object identifiers to their locations across different verticals. This consolidation allows the system to retrieve data from multiple verticals through a single index access point, reducing the complexity of managing and accessing multiple separate indices while maintaining comprehensive search capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The forward index acts as an intermediary layer between the search query and the underlying vertical-specific data stores. Instead of directly accessing multiple verticals and their respective indices, the system uses the forward index to translate object identifiers into efficient access paths, simplifying the search process and reducing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple verticals and indices are accessed for complex search queries, then comprehensive search results can be obtained, but retrieval time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The forward index is pre-computed and maintained, storing the mapping relationships between object identifiers and their locations in different verticals before search queries are executed. This preliminary organization of data access paths enables the system to quickly resolve object locations without performing multiple sequential index lookups during query execution, significantly reducing retrieval time.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple vertical-specific indices into a single forward index, the system eliminates the need for sequential access to multiple separate index structures. The unified index allows the system to retrieve location information for objects across different verticals in a single access operation, reducing the total time required for complex search queries.
3Speed
If forward index is used for one-to-one or one-to-few mappings, then access efficiency is improved, but memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different indexing strategies based on the local characteristics of data relationships. Forward indices are used specifically for one-to-one and one-to-few mappings where direct access is beneficial, while other indexing methods can be used for different relationship types. This localized application of indexing strategies optimizes access speed for appropriate scenarios without unnecessarily increasing memory usage across the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, from a user, a search query requesting objects of a first object type. The search query includes an inner query requesting objects of a second object type. The method includes identifying the objects of the second object type requested by the inner query using an inverted index of a second data store corresponding to the second object type; identifying, for each of the identified objects of the second object type, objects of the first object type using an inverted index of a first data store corresponding to the first object type; aggregating a plurality of search results responsive to the search query, each search result corresponding to an identified object of the first object type; and sending, to the user, one or more of the aggregated search results.