Log File Summary Records for Non-Sequential Data Retrieval
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for retrieving data from log files are inefficient, requiring sequential reading and making it difficult to obtain summaries or access data in specific time ranges, especially with large log files, and do not integrate archival and analysis processes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A log writing program that generates summary records and information during the logging process, along with a log reading program that uses summary records to quickly locate and display user-specified data, reducing input/output operations and integrating archival and analysis processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If sequential reading from beginning to end is used, then all data can be accessed, but time to obtain summary and locate specific data increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating summary records and storing them in the log file during the logging process itself, before any analysis is needed. This allows users to immediately access summaries without waiting for post-processing, and the summary records enable direct jumping to specific time ranges without sequential reading
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the log file into manageable units by inserting summary records at regular intervals (e.g., every 1000 records or at time boundaries). Each summary record contains aggregated statistics for a specific range, allowing the system to divide the large log file into smaller logical segments that can be independently analyzed
2Measurement precision
If summary data is generated after log file creation, then complete data is available, but analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Summary records are generated and written to the log file during the logging process itself, not after. The logging program continuously maintains summary statistics as data is written, so summaries are already prepared and available when analysis begins, eliminating post-processing wait time
Solution Approach 2:
The logging program performs dual functions simultaneously: writing individual data records and maintaining summary statistics in the same pass. This continuous dual operation ensures that both detailed data and aggregated summaries are available without requiring separate processing passes
3Measurement precision
If entire log file is read to access data in specific time range, then accurate data is obtained, but input/output operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
Summary records are pre-positioned in the log file at specific locations corresponding to time ranges. When a user requests data from a specific time range, the system uses these pre-positioned summary records to directly calculate the location of relevant data without reading preceding records, enabling direct access to the desired time range
Solution Approach 2:
Summary records act as intermediary indices that mediate between the user's data request and the actual data locations in the log file. These summary records contain information about data ranges and locations, allowing the system to jump directly to relevant sections without sequential reading
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for efficiently obtaining a summary from and locating data in a log file allow a user to efficiently obtain summary information and locate specific data records even in large log files. The system includes a configuration program, a log writing program, and a log reading program. The configuration program allows the user to control the duration of monitoring and the frequency of summary record creation by the log writing program. The log writing program writes data records, summary records, and summary information to a log file in response to monitored events. The log reading program retrieves summary records and data records from the log file using summary information in response to user requests.