SQL-FCF Framework for Parallel Data Computation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face performance bottlenecks due to the separation of parallel computing and data management, leading to inefficiencies in data-intensive computations, particularly in applications like hydrologic computations where order dependencies are not adequately addressed, resulting in poor performance and increased data flow.

Innovation Solution

A SQL construct-based framework, known as SQL-FCF, is introduced to interface data-intensive computation and parallel database management at a high level, allowing users to specify order dependencies and automate parallel computing opportunities, thereby co-locating computation and data for improved efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If parallel computing and data management are separated into different IT disciplines, then each discipline can be optimized independently, but data flow increases and computation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent optimization of computing and data managementVSAvoidData flow volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges parallel computing and data management into a unified parallel database management system. The query optimizer generates parallel execution plans that simultaneously manage computation tasks and data access, eliminating the need for separate HPC and data warehousing infrastructure. This integration reduces data flow between separate systems while maintaining independent optimization capabilities through the unified query optimization framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If data-intensive computations are performed at the application layer, then computation flexibility is maintained, but performance bottlenecks occur due to insufficient parallel processing

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveComputation flexibilityVSAvoidComputation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic parallel execution plans that adapt to data characteristics and system resources. The query optimizer dynamically determines parallelism degree, task distribution, and execution strategies based on actual data volume, complexity, and available computing resources. This dynamic approach maintains computation flexibility while achieving high performance through automatic parallel processing optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If computations are pushed down to the data management layer, then data access efficiency improves, but order dependencies in computations may be violated

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveData access speedVSAvoidComputation order correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary analysis of computation order dependencies during query optimization. The system identifies precedence constraints among computation tasks and incorporates them into the parallel execution plan generation. By pre-determining valid execution orders and embedding these constraints into the optimization framework, the system ensures order correctness is maintained while enabling aggressive parallelization and data access optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If parallel processing is implemented without considering order dependencies, then productivity increases, but computation correctness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveParallel processing throughputVSAvoidComputation correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments parallel execution plans into independent task units with explicitly defined dependency relationships. Each task segment is analyzed for order dependencies, and the segmentation ensures that tasks with dependency constraints are executed in the correct sequence while independent tasks are executed in parallel. This segmentation strategy maintains computation correctness by preserving logical dependencies while maximizing parallel processing throughput through careful task decomposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8046373B2Structured parallel data intensive computing
Publication Date: 2011.10.25 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP
  • US8046373B2 patent drawing
  • US8046373B2 patent drawing
  • US8046373B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for performing structured parallel data intensive computations. A SQL-FCF framework that defines a SQL construct based interface for performing the computations is provided. The computations within an application are coded as table valued functions (TVFs). Data for the application is partitioned into data partitions to co-locate and load balance the data partitions and corresponding computations. The TVFs are invoked and applied to corresponding ones of the data partitions in a structured order defined by function control forms (FCF).