Lineage Metadata In-Memory Structures for Faster Query Retrieval

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data processing systems face inefficiencies in processing and retrieving lineage metadata, leading to prolonged query processing times and resource utilization due to the need to access and process metadata from large databases, which introduces latency and additional processing overhead.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a specialized lineage server that stores lineage metadata in a special-purpose data structure optimized for speed and efficiency, utilizing random access memory to minimize storage space and enhance query response times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If lineage metadata is stored in conventional databases, then data completeness and durability are ensured, but query processing time and resource utilization increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata completenessVSAvoidquery processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments lineage metadata into two storage locations: frequently accessed metadata is stored in a specialized in-memory data structure for fast retrieval, while the complete metadata repository remains in conventional databases for durability. This segmentation allows the system to balance between quick access and data completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a specialized in-memory data structure as an intermediary layer between the conventional database and the query processing system. This intermediary caches frequently accessed lineage metadata, reducing the need to query the full database and thereby decreasing processing time while maintaining access to complete data when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If lineage metadata is stored in conventional databases, then data durability is maintained, but processing overhead and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata durabilityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the metadata storage system into two segments: a specialized in-memory structure for active processing and a conventional database for persistent storage. This allows the system to maintain durable storage while improving processing efficiency for frequently accessed metadata.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates copies of frequently accessed lineage metadata and stores them in the specialized in-memory data structure. This copying mechanism allows fast processing of common queries without repeatedly accessing the full database, thereby reducing processing overhead while maintaining data durability in the original database.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Loss of time

If lineage metadata is stored in memory, then query response time decreases, but storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery response timeVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by storing only the frequently accessed portion of lineage metadata in the specialized in-memory data structure, rather than storing the entire metadata repository in memory. This allows the system to optimize query response time for common operations while minimizing memory consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements partial action by caching only the subset of metadata that is most frequently accessed, rather than loading all metadata into memory. This selective approach achieves significant query response time improvements while keeping storage space requirements manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Speed

If a specialized data structure is implemented, then metadata access speed increases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemetadata access speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the specialized in-memory data structure to serve multiple functions: it acts as a cache for fast access, provides a structured format for efficient querying, and maintains compatibility with existing database interfaces. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single component.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The specialized data structure serves as an intermediary layer that translates between the conventional database format and the query processing requirements. While this adds complexity, it enables fast access speeds by pre-organizing data in an optimized format that reduces query processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12405949B2Generating, accessing, and displaying lineage metadata
Publication Date: 2025.09.02 AB INITIO TECHNOLOGY LLC
  • US12405949B2 patent drawing
  • US12405949B2 patent drawing
  • US12405949B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Among other things, we describe a method of receiving a portion of metadata from a data source, the portion of metadata describing nodes and edges; generating instances of a data structure representing the portion of metadata, at least one instance of the data structure including an identification value that identifies a corresponding node, one or more property values representing respective properties of the corresponding node, and one or more pointers to respective identification values, each pointer representing an edge associated with a node identified by the corresponding respective identification value; storing the instances of the data structure in random access memory; receiving a query that includes an identification of at least one particular element of data; and using at least one instance of the data structure to cause a display of a computer system to display a representation of lineage of the particular element of data.