Schema Version Registry for Database Instance Coexistence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current database management systems cannot efficiently manage multiple versions of applications within a single database instance, leading to resource inefficiencies, conflicts between schema names, and laborious manual upgrade processes, which are error-prone and require system downtime.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a schema version registry and unique schema namespaces allows multiple versions of applications to coexist in a single database instance by generating unique schema names for each version, enabling a centralized repository to track application versions and automate upgrades.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate database instances are used for each application version, then version isolation and stability are improved, but resource consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversion isolationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple application versions into a single database instance by introducing version identifiers that allow different versions to coexist. Instead of requiring separate database instances for each version, the system combines multiple versions within one instance using version tags and namespace isolation, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining version isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the database namespace by introducing version-specific schemas or namespace prefixes for each application version. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between different versions within the same database instance, enabling version isolation without requiring separate instances. Each version operates in its own namespace segment, preventing conflicts while sharing underlying resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If separate database instances are used for each application version, then version stability is improved, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversion stabilityVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple application versions within a single database instance, allowing them to share underlying physical resources such as storage, memory, and processing power. By merging versions at the instance level while maintaining logical separation through version identifiers and namespaces, the system reduces resource consumption compared to running separate instances for each version.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If manual upgrade processes are used for each application, then upgrade control is improved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupgrade controlVSAvoidupgrade speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism through version tracking tables and metadata storage that automatically monitor application version states. The system queries current version information, determines appropriate upgrade paths, and executes upgrades automatically while maintaining version records. This feedback-driven approach enables automated multi-version management and streamlined upgrade processes without sacrificing control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service upgrade capabilities by automatically detecting current versions, selecting appropriate upgrade paths, and executing upgrade operations without requiring manual intervention for each application. The automated version management system handles upgrade coordination, tracking, and execution, significantly improving productivity while maintaining upgrade control through systematic processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If manual upgrade processes are used, then upgrade planning is improved, but time consumption and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupgrade planningVSAvoidupgrade time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs upgrade planning by querying version information from tracking tables, determining upgrade paths, and coordinating upgrade sequences. This self-service approach eliminates manual planning efforts while maintaining reliable upgrade sequences through automated dependency resolution and version state management, significantly reducing both time consumption and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

5Loss of time

If in-place upgrades are performed, then system availability is improved, but version compatibility and data integrity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedowntimeVSAvoiddata integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary version tracking and compatibility verification before executing in-place upgrades. The system queries current version information, validates upgrade paths, and prepares data migration strategies in advance. This preliminary action ensures data integrity is maintained throughout the in-place upgrade process while minimizing downtime, as upgrades are executed only after proper preparation and validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces version tracking tables and metadata intermediaries that facilitate safe in-place upgrades. These intermediaries store version information and coordinate upgrade operations, ensuring data integrity is maintained while allowing continuous system operation. The intermediary layer enables version transitions without requiring system shutdown, preserving both availability and data integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7970745B2Schema version management for database management
Publication Date: 2011.06.28 ORACLE INT CORP
  • US7970745B2 patent drawing
  • US7970745B2 patent drawing
  • US7970745B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Creating a relational database table that identifies at least one application as belonging to a logical group. All components that belong to the logical group are listed and a unique schema name is created for each component by combining a logical schema name of each component with a designated system name for the component. Each component co-exists in a single database instance.