Parameterized Category Definitions for Dynamic Search Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage and retrieval systems face inefficiencies in categorizing information items due to the need for exhaustive static category definitions, which can be overly restrictive or result in an excessive number of categories, especially when dealing with dynamic information such as appointments across varying time periods.
Innovation Solution
A data storage and retrieval system utilizing parameterized category definitions and dynamically generated search indices, where parameterized predicates define families of categories, allowing for dynamic categorization and efficient indexing through the separation of parameterized and static parts, enabling the reuse or creation of indices to associate information items with categories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If exhaustive static category definitions are provided for all possible time periods, then complete coverage of all categories is achieved, but the number of categories becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static category definitions into dynamic parameterized category definitions. Instead of pre-defining all possible time period categories statically, the system uses parameterized definitions that can adapt to any time period dynamically. The category definition includes parameters such as start time and end time, allowing the system to generate appropriate categories on-demand based on query requirements, thereby reducing the number of predefined categories while maintaining complete coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing temporal parameters (start time, end time) into category definitions. Rather than creating separate static categories for each possible time period, the system defines categories with parameterized time ranges. When a query is executed, the system substitutes specific parameter values into the parameterized definition, dynamically generating the appropriate category without requiring pre-definition of all possible time periods.
2Device complexity
If a limited number of static category definitions are used, then system complexity is reduced, but the system becomes overly restrictive in determining appointment information
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic parameterized category definitions that can adapt to different time periods and query requirements. The parameterized definitions include temporal parameters that allow the category structure to flexibly accommodate various appointment time ranges without requiring exhaustive pre-definition. This dynamic approach maintains low system complexity while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The parameterized category definition serves multiple functions: it can represent any time period category, support various query types, and adapt to different appointment scenarios. A single parameterized definition template can instantiate multiple specific categories by substituting different parameter values, making the system both simple and highly flexible.
3Adaptability or versatility
If discrete category definitions are established for every possible time interval, then complete categorization is achieved, but system performance deteriorates due to excessive category management overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic parameterized category definitions that are instantiated only when needed for specific queries. Instead of maintaining discrete definitions for all possible time intervals in memory, the system stores compact parameterized templates and generates specific category instances on-demand during query processing. This dramatically reduces memory overhead and improves system performance while maintaining complete categorization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates category instances by copying and substituting parameters in the parameterized definition template rather than storing separate full definitions for each category. When a query requires a specific time period category, the system copies the template, substitutes the relevant temporal parameters, and uses this instantiated category for the query. This copying approach minimizes storage requirements and speeds up category management.
4Adaptability or versatility
If exhaustive static category definitions are maintained, then all information items can be categorized, but indexing and search operations become inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically generates category definitions based on query parameters rather than searching through exhaustive static definitions. When a search operation is executed, the system instantiates the appropriate parameterized category definition with the query's temporal parameters, enabling direct and efficient indexing operations. This eliminates the time required to search through or match against pre-defined static categories for every query.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining the parameterized category template structure that captures the essential characteristics of all possible time period categories. This template is prepared in advance with placeholders for temporal parameters. During query execution, only simple parameter substitution is needed rather than complex matching against exhaustive static definitions, significantly reducing search and indexing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage and retrieval system with parameterized category definitions and dynamically generated search indices. A parameterized category definition for a family of categories is obtained consisting of a parameterized predicate, such that parameter values can be provided with a search query to identify information items that match a category within the family of categories. The parameterized category definition is divided into a parameterized part and a static part. The static part is used to create associations between information items and the family of categories. The disclosed system processes the parameterized part of the category family definition to dynamically generate one or more search indices. The disclosed system determines whether any existing indices match the parameters of the parameterized part, and can accordingly be re-used. In the case where one or more indices are missing that are needed to support the parameterized part of the category family definition, the disclosed system operates to create them based on information items associated with the family of categories based on the static part of the parameterized category definition. Queries supplying values for the parameters of the parameterized category definition for the family of categories are subsequently processed to identify information items belonging to specific, dynamically defined categories within the family of categories.