On-Chain Data Search Indexing via Blockchain Index Manager
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blockchain platforms face inefficiencies in data retrieval due to sequential access methods and limitations in key value and index structures, leading to reduced search efficiency and potential data inconsistency when external databases are used for data storage.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for searching on-chain data using various indices, including event, content-based, time-series, and spatial indices, managed by a blockchain index manager, which interworks with a query engine to process requests and select appropriate index structures like binary trees and B-trees, allowing direct data retrieval from blockchain nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sequential access method is used to retrieve data from blockchain ledger, then data retrieval is performed using basic key value, but search efficiency deteriorates due to requiring to read ledger from beginning and compare sequentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates index data in advance that maps key values to transaction hashes and block information. This preliminary indexing allows the query engine to directly locate relevant data without sequential scanning of the entire blockchain ledger, significantly improving search efficiency while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an index data structure as an intermediary between the blockchain ledger and the query engine. This index acts as a mediator that translates query key values into direct pointers to transaction data, eliminating the need for sequential access and大幅提升检索效率.
2Productivity
If external off-chain database is used to copy blockchain data for search service, then search efficiency may be improved, but data consistency deteriorates due to difficulty in maintaining synchronization with blockchain platform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the indexing function with the blockchain platform itself by creating index data that is stored within the blockchain nodes. This integration ensures that the index data is automatically synchronized with the blockchain data, eliminating consistency issues while maintaining high search efficiency through the indexed access path.
Solution Approach 2:
The blockchain platform performs its own indexing operation internally without requiring external databases. The index data is generated and maintained automatically as part of the blockchain consensus process, ensuring data consistency while providing efficient search capabilities.
3Productivity
If state DB or history DB with limited index structures is used, then some data retrieval is improved, but search efficiency improvement is limited due to key value and index structure limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic indexing system where the query engine can select from multiple index types (trie-based, sorted, hash-based) depending on the query characteristics. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for different query patterns while maintaining versatility and avoiding the limitations of fixed index structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the index structure by using flexible data structures that can be configured based on query requirements. The system can adjust index parameters such as branching factor, depth, and organization type to optimize performance for different search scenarios, overcoming the rigidity of traditional database index structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for retrieving on-chain data based on an index. The apparatus includes memory in which at least one program is recorded and a processor for executing the program. The program may include a blockchain connection manager for recording data in at least one node or retrieving data from at least one node and outputting the same by being connected to a blockchain network formed of multiple nodes, a blockchain index manager for creating and managing an index for data stored in at least one node, and a query engine for requesting storage of data resulting from a transaction in a corresponding node through the blockchain connection manager, creating an index on the stored data by interworking with the blockchain index manager, and acquiring and outputting data that is retrieved based on the index through the blockchain connection manger in response to a retrieval request.