Input-List Controls for Reduced-Access Merge Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Database processing requires significant memory usage and time for transferring data between memory and processor storage during merge operations, leading to inefficient performance.
Innovation Solution
A computer program product that includes a processor-readable storage medium with instructions for merging input lists, utilizing controls to manage the behavior of merge operations when input lists become empty, thereby reducing data accesses and improving performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional merge operations are used to merge sorted collections of data records, then the merge operation can be performed, but a significant amount of time is used to transfer data between memory and processor storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the merge operation into distinct phases: an initial phase where multiple input lists are merged, and a final phase where only one or few input lists remain. By segmenting the operation and applying different controls to different input lists, the system optimizes data access patterns and reduces unnecessary transfers between memory and processor storage, thereby improving merge performance while reducing data transfer time.
2Productivity
If traditional merge operations are used, then the merge can be completed, but a significant portion of time is used to transfer data between memory and processor storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control mechanisms that adaptively manage the merge operation based on the state of input lists. Controls associated with each input list allow the system to dynamically adjust data access patterns, continuing to access data from non-empty lists while efficiently handling empty lists. This dynamic approach reduces unnecessary data transfers and associated energy consumption while maintaining processing efficiency.
3Productivity
If controls are added to manage merge operations when input lists become empty, then data accesses are reduced and performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces control parameters associated with each input list that can take different values to dictate behavior when the list becomes empty. These parameter changes provide a systematic way to manage complexity: each control is a simple variable that can be set to different values, allowing flexible control of the merge operation without requiring complex control logic. This approach improves performance while keeping the control structure manageable through parameter-based configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Storage accesses for merge operations are minimized. A plurality of records of a plurality of input lists are merged. The merging includes determining that an input list of the plurality of input lists has become empty, and checking, based on determining that the input list has become empty, a control specific for the input list. The control is used to determine how to proceed, such as whether to end merging or continue merging.