Logical Database Copy via Partitioned Extent Chunks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methodologies for copying data from a source database to target databases in cloud-based computing are slow and inefficient, leading to excessive storage requirements, fragmentation, and prolonged downtime due to the need to copy all data, even if only a portion is necessary.

Innovation Solution

A logical copy method that partitions data into extent chunks and uses multi-threading to copy only necessary data, allowing for parallel processing and reducing the amount of data transferred, thereby minimizing storage needs and avoiding fragmentation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional physical copy methodologies are used to replicate data from source database to target databases, then data replication can be achieved, but the copying process is slow and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata copying speedVSAvoidmigration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data copying process into multiple parallel operations using multi-threading. Instead of copying data sequentially, the system divides the source database into multiple partitions and assigns different threads to copy different partitions simultaneously, dramatically improving data copying speed and reducing migration time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by creating partition information and identifying necessary data before the actual copying process. The system pre-processes the source database to determine which partitions and data blocks need to be copied, allowing the copying operation to proceed efficiently without unnecessary data transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If all data is copied from source database to target databases, then complete data replication is achieved, but storage requirements increase excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata completenessVSAvoidstorage requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary data from the source database based on partition information and copying requirements. Instead of copying all data, the system identifies and copies only the specific partitions and data blocks that are needed, significantly reducing storage requirements while maintaining data completeness for the required datasets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by copying only the necessary portions of data rather than the entire database. The system determines the minimal required data set based on partition specifications and copies only those portions, avoiding excessive data transfer and storage consumption while ensuring all necessary data is replicated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If conventional copying methods are used, then data replication is achieved, but data fragmentation occurs in target databases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata replication capabilityVSAvoiddata structure integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses segmentation to divide data into organized partitions with defined structures. By copying data in structured partition units rather than as unorganized data blocks, the system maintains data structure integrity and prevents fragmentation in the target database while still achieving efficient replication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary organization of partition information before copying, establishing the target data structure in advance. This pre-structuring ensures that data is copied into properly organized partitions from the beginning, maintaining structural integrity and preventing fragmentation issues that would occur with ad-hoc copying methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If all data is copied from source database, then complete replication is achieved, but downtime is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata replication completenessVSAvoiddowntime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data replication process into parallel partition copying operations. Multiple partitions are copied simultaneously through multi-threading, dramatically reducing the total time required to replicate data while ensuring complete replication of all necessary partitions. This parallel processing approach minimizes downtime while maintaining replication completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by replicating only the necessary partitions and data blocks rather than copying the entire database. This selective replication reduces the total volume of data that needs to be transferred and processed, thereby reducing downtime while ensuring all required data is replicated for system availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11657027B2Systems and methods for logically copying data from a source database to one or more target databases
Publication Date: 2023.05.23 SALESFORCE INC
  • US11657027B2 patent drawing
  • US11657027B2 patent drawing
  • US11657027B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method are provided for logically copying data from a source database to a first target database and a second target database. Based on table partition information, the source database is queried to collect partition metadata information for a first set of partitions and a second set of partitions. A first set of the partition metadata information for the first set of partitions and a second set of the partition metadata information for the second set of partitions can be used to create at least one extent chunk for each partition of a table. The source database can be queried, based on a first set of extent chunks and a second set of extent chunks, for a first set of data to be written to the first target database and a second set of data from the source database to be written to the second target database.