Search Index Creation in Data Storage Library
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage systems require significant resource-intensive processes and time to perform searches on large amounts of data stored on removable media, relying heavily on host systems, applications, and communication links, which can lead to inefficiencies and performance bottlenecks.
Innovation Solution
A method to create a search index for data storage cartridges within the data storage library itself, transparently loading the cartridges into a data storage drive, allowing the library and drive to manage the index creation without relying on host systems, thereby reducing processing loads and improving performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data search operations are performed on host systems by retrieving data from the storage library, then search functionality is achieved, but resource consumption increases and processing time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating search indexes in advance on the storage library side before actual search requests are made. The index is built by reading data from cartridges and organizing it in a searchable format (inverted index mapping terms to offsets), so that when searches are needed, the pre-built index can be quickly queried without retrieving and processing the entire dataset in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the data structure (search index) that represents the data without copying the actual data itself. The index stores metadata about the data (terms, offsets, cartridge locations) rather than the full data content, enabling fast search operations on the index structure while the actual data remains on the original cartridges.
2Ease of operation
If search indexes are created on host systems, then search operations can be performed, but host system processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the search index creation function from the host system and relocates it to the storage library. The library independently reads data from cartridges, builds indexes, and manages the indexing process without requiring host system resources. This separation removes the indexing burden from host systems while preserving search capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage library performs self-service by autonomously creating and maintaining search indexes for its own data. The library's controller reads data from cartridges, processes it into index structures, and stores the indexes within the library system itself, eliminating the need for host systems to provide processing power for indexing operations.
3Productivity
If data is retrieved from storage library for searching, then search operations are enabled, but network traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transfers only the essential search index information (a compressed representation of data structure mapping terms to locations) across the network rather than transferring the actual data. The index contains metadata such as term-to-offset mappings and cartridge location references, which are much smaller in size than the full data datasets, thereby minimizing network bandwidth consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the necessary search index data from the storage library and transfers it to the host system for searching, rather than transferring the complete data datasets. This selective extraction of index information (which contains references to actual data locations) enables search functionality while minimizing the volume of data transmitted over the network.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes initiating a creation of a search index for a data storage cartridge, transparently loading the data storage cartridge into a data storage drive of a data storage library, creating the search index, utilizing the data storage cartridge and the data storage drive, and storing the search index.