Query Server Inverted Index for Complex Data Queries

The patent introduces an inverted index as an intermediary structure between the divided tables/databases and the query operation. The inverted index maps query terms to their corresponding table and row locations, enabling efficient retrieval without scanning multiple divided tables directly. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing a streamlined access path that bypasses the complexity of querying divided data structures.

The patent creates a copied representation of the data distribution information in the inverted index. Instead of directly querying the original divided tables, the system uses a copied index structure that contains pre-computed location information. This copying approach allows rapid query resolution while maintaining the benefits of data division for storage and update efficiency.

The inverted index structure serves multiple functions: it supports simple term queries, complex combination queries, and provides a unified access interface for divided data. By making the index structure multi-functional, the system can handle various query types including complex combinations across multiple tables and databases, resolving the contradiction between storage scalability and query versatility.

The inverted index acts as a universal mediator that translates diverse query requirements into efficient retrieval operations. Whether the query is simple or complex, the inverted index provides a standardized access mechanism that works across all divided tables and databases, enabling complex combination queries while maintaining storage scalability.

The patent segments the query processing function by dividing the inverted index into multiple parts distributed across different query servers. Each server handles a portion of the index and can process queries independently. This segmentation enables concurrent processing while maintaining relative system simplicity through modular architecture, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and concurrent processing capability.

The patent introduces a new dimension of parallelism by distributing the index across multiple servers in a clustered architecture. Instead of improving concurrency within a single server, the system adds a spatial dimension of distribution, allowing simultaneous query processing across multiple nodes. This dimensional change enables concurrent processing while keeping each individual server relatively simple.