Hybrid Row-Column Querying with Row Index for Point Reads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Columnar storage systems exhibit low data query efficiency in scenarios where complete rows of data need to be queried, particularly in high-concurrency point query scenarios.

Innovation Solution

The method involves storing data in both row and columnar storage forms within a columnar storage system, constructing a row storage index, and matching data query requests with this index to improve query efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If data is stored in columnar storage form, then data reading efficiency is improved when only some columns need to be read, but data query efficiency deteriorates when complete rows need to be queried

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reading efficiencyVSAvoiddata query efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the storage system into two distinct storage forms: columnar storage for efficient columnar queries and row storage for efficient row-based queries. By dividing the storage architecture, the system can handle different query types optimally without compromising performance in either scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional storage system where data exists in both columnar and row storage forms simultaneously. This universal approach allows the same data to be efficiently queried regardless of whether the query requires complete rows or specific columns, making the storage system adaptable to different query patterns.

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

2Productivity

If data is stored in both row storage form and columnar storage form, then data query efficiency is improved, but storage resource usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata query efficiencyVSAvoidstorage resource usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing data in both row and columnar formats before queries are executed. This advance preparation ensures that regardless of the query type, the data is already in the optimal format for retrieval, eliminating the need for costly data transformation during query execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the storage parameter by maintaining data in two different organizational forms (row-based and column-based). This parameter change allows the system to optimize for different query patterns without requiring data duplication across separate systems, thereby managing storage resources more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If row storage index is constructed and maintained, then complete row data query efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverow data query efficiencyVSAvoidstorage system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a row storage index as an intermediary structure that bridges the gap between row storage and query operations. This index acts as a mediator that speeds up row-based queries without requiring fundamental changes to the underlying storage architecture, thereby managing complexity more effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of row data through the row storage index. This index copy contains only the essential information needed for quick row lookups, allowing efficient query execution without maintaining full complexity of the underlying row storage structure in the index itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12572523B2Method and apparatus for data query
Publication Date: 2026.03.10 BEIJING VOLCANO ENGINE TECH CO LTD
  • US12572523B2 patent drawing
  • US12572523B2 patent drawing
  • US12572523B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application discloses a data query method. The method can be applied to a columnar storage system. The columnar storage system stores target data that is stored in a row storage form, target data that is stored in a columnar storage form, and a row storage index constructed based on the target data that is stored in a row storage form. The columnar storage system can receive a data query request and matches the data query request with the row storage index corresponding to the columnar storage system. If the matching is successful, data matched with the data query request is queried based on the row storage index. Therefore, by use of the scheme, the target data can be stored in the row storage form into the columnar storage system, and the row storage index can be constructed.