Query System Selector for Analytics Data Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Analyzing large data sets can be time-consuming and inefficient due to the need for analysts to manually select the appropriate query system for processing queries, leading to prolonged wait times and reduced productivity.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a query system selector that applies classification rules to automatically select the most suitable query system for processing queries based on query characteristics, such as data types and sizes, to optimize execution efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a general purpose query system is used to process all queries, then the system is simple to operate, but query execution time increases and analyst productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalyst productivityVSAvoidquery system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the query processing system into multiple specialized query systems (e.g., query system A, query system B, query system C), each optimized for specific query types or data characteristics. A query classifier automatically segments incoming queries and routes them to the most appropriate specialized system, enabling high productivity without requiring analysts to understand system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a query classifier as an intermediary component between the analyst and multiple query systems. This mediator automatically analyzes query characteristics, applies classification rules, and selects the optimal query system, shielding analysts from system complexity while maximizing execution efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If analysts manually select query systems for each query, then query execution efficiency is optimized, but the complexity of operation increases and wait time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery wait timeVSAvoidease of query submission
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The query classifier performs self-service by automatically analyzing incoming queries, determining their characteristics, and selecting the most appropriate query system without requiring analyst intervention. This eliminates manual selection overhead and reduces wait time while maintaining ease of operation for analysts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary classification and selection actions automatically before query execution. By pre-establishing classification rules and automatically applying them to incoming queries, the system prepares the optimal execution path in advance, reducing wait time without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If multiple specialized query systems are implemented, then query execution speed increases, but the complexity of system management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery execution speedVSAvoidsystem management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The query classifier serves as a universal interface that handles all incoming queries regardless of their specific type or characteristics. It applies a unified set of classification rules to route queries to appropriate specialized systems, allowing multiple query systems to be managed through a single multi-functional component, thereby reducing management complexity while maintaining high execution speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If analysts switch between different projects during long query waits, then productivity is maintained, but context switching overhead increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata analysis productivityVSAvoidcontext switching time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The query classifier automatically manages query routing without requiring analyst intervention or context switching. By self-service classification and automatic system selection, the system reduces query wait times significantly, allowing analysts to remain focused on their current analysis tasks without needing to switch contexts during prolonged waiting periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9514184B2Systems and methods for a high speed query infrastructure
Publication Date: 2016.12.06 DROPBOX INC
  • US9514184B2 patent drawing
  • US9514184B2 patent drawing
  • US9514184B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In an analytics system, an analyst can analyze data by submitting queries, e.g., through an interface to a database. The analytics system can implement multiple query systems that are each configured to query the database. Query systems can be optimized for handling particular types of queries or for querying particular data. As such, some query systems can process certain queries more quickly and/or more efficiently than other query systems. To take advantage of this, when a query is received, query classification rules can be applied to the query. Based on the query classification, a query system can be selected to process the query, and the query can be sent to the selected query system for processing.