SQL Hint-Based Data Quality Checks in Query Execution Plans

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data quality check methods in database management systems are inefficient, leading to increased processing times, resource usage, and inaccurate results due to separate execution from main queries, lack of reusability, and disruptive data processing flows.

Innovation Solution

Implementing data quality checks using structured query language hints within query execution plans, allowing the query optimizer to integrate and execute data quality checks alongside main queries, ensuring completion is dependent on successful data quality checks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data quality checks are performed separately from main queries, then data quality can be evaluated, but processing time and resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata quality evaluationVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines data quality checks with main queries by integrating quality check instructions into query execution plans. The query optimizer modifies the execution plan to include both the original query operations and data quality validation operations as a unified workflow, allowing simultaneous execution rather than separate sequential processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The query execution plan is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it executes the main data retrieval query while simultaneously performing data quality checks. This multi-functional approach allows a single execution plan to handle both data access and quality validation, eliminating the need for separate check processes.

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

2Reliability

If data quality checks are performed separately from main queries, then data quality can be evaluated, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata quality evaluationVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges data quality check operations with main query execution operations into a single integrated process. By combining these operations, the system avoids duplicating resource-intensive activities such as data scanning and processing, thereby reducing overall resource consumption while maintaining comprehensive quality evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The data quality check system leverages the existing query execution infrastructure and data access pathways. Instead of creating separate dedicated check processes that would consume additional resources, the system uses the query execution plan's inherent data access mechanisms to perform quality checks, making the system self-sufficient and resource-efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If data quality checks are integrated into query execution plans, then processing efficiency improves, but query optimizer complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidquery optimizer complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The query optimizer performs preliminary processing by incorporating data quality check instructions into the query execution plan before actual query execution. This advance preparation includes identifying quality check requirements, integrating them with query operations, and optimizing the combined workflow, thereby simplifying the execution phase while maintaining efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of quality check instructions that act as mediators between the query optimizer and the execution engine. These instructions serve as a standardized interface that translates quality requirements into executable operations, managing the complexity of integration without burdening either the optimizer or the execution engine with excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of time

If data quality checks are integrated into query execution plans, then processing time reduces, but query execution plan complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidquery execution plan complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The query execution plan is prepared in advance with quality check operations pre-integrated and optimized. By performing the integration and optimization work during the plan generation phase rather than during execution, the system reduces actual processing time while managing complexity through upfront preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated execution plan maintains continuous useful action by seamlessly interweaving quality check operations with data retrieval operations. Rather than introducing discrete interruptive check steps, the plan creates a continuous workflow where quality validation occurs naturally during data access operations, reducing overall execution time while managing complexity through flow integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12475088B2Data quality check using a structured query language hint
Publication Date: 2025.11.18 EBAY INC
  • US12475088B2 patent drawing
  • US12475088B2 patent drawing
  • US12475088B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A data quality check using a structured query language hint is described. A query optimizer of a database management system may receive a data quality check instruction as part of a database query statement for a database query. The query optimizer may modify a query execution plan for the database query based on the data quality check instruction so that completion of the database query is dependent on a result of a data quality check defined by the data quality check instruction. The database management system may execute the modified query execution plan.