On-Demand Database Segment Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage systems waste resources by creating empty segments and unnecessary metadata for unused data storage spaces upfront, leading to inefficiencies and high overhead when managing database resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an on-demand allocation mechanism where segments and metadata are created only when data storage spaces are actually used, allowing for efficient resource utilization and reducing waste by delaying segment allocation until data is stored.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data storage spaces are created upfront with segments and metadata, then database functionality is maintained and spaces are ready for use, but system resources are wasted on unused spaces and overhead is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating metadata for data storage spaces in advance, but delaying the allocation of actual segments until needed. This allows the system to prepare structural information (metadata) beforehand for quick space creation, while avoiding the waste of allocating full segments and consuming filesystem resources for unused spaces. The metadata is created immediately upon space definition, but segment allocation is deferred to the moment of actual data insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making segment allocation conditional and on-demand rather than static and upfront. The system dynamically allocates segments only when data needs to be stored in a space, transforming the static pre-allocation model into a dynamic on-demand model. This allows the database to adapt its resource allocation based on actual usage patterns, creating spaces quickly with minimal overhead while avoiding resource waste on unused spaces.
2Ease of operation
If segments are allocated for all data storage spaces upfront, then spaces are ready for immediate use, but filesystem resources are permanently tied up with empty segments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating metadata for data storage spaces in advance, but delaying the allocation of actual segments until needed. This allows the system to prepare structural information (metadata) beforehand for quick space creation, while avoiding the waste of allocating full segments and consuming filesystem resources for unused spaces. The metadata is created immediately upon space definition, but segment allocation is deferred to the moment of actual data insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by allowing the database system to automatically allocate segments on-demand when data needs to be stored, rather than requiring manual pre-allocation. The system monitors when data insertion is required and automatically performs segment allocation at that moment, eliminating the need for administrators to manually manage segment allocation while avoiding resource waste on unused spaces.
3Loss of information
If metadata is created for all spaces upfront, then space information is available immediately, but time and processing resources are wasted on unused spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating metadata for data storage spaces in advance, but delaying the allocation of actual segments until needed. This allows the system to prepare structural information (metadata) beforehand for quick space creation, while avoiding the waste of allocating full segments and consuming filesystem resources for unused spaces. The metadata is created immediately upon space definition, but segment allocation is deferred to the moment of actual data insertion.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for the on-demand allocation of segments and creation of metadata for previously-created data storage spaces and partitions are provided. A space is created in a database. As part of this creation process, no segment is allocated for the space. Rather, metadata describing the space sufficiently to allocate the segment in the future is created and maintained by the database. Data is received indicating a new item. Based on the metadata, it is determined that the new item pertains to the space. In response to the determination, a segment is allocated for the space. Additional metadata necessary for normal database operations in relation to the space and newly-allocated segment may also be created at this time. The new item can then be stored in the space.