Stream Operator Tuple Spawn Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Database systems are not well-suited for real-time processing and analyzing large volumes of streaming data efficiently, as they struggle to store, index, and analyze data in real-time.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that limit the creation of spawn tuples in stream computing applications by establishing a tuple creation policy with thresholds, allowing stream operators to determine whether to generate new tuples based on tuple spawn counts, thereby conserving inter-process communication bandwidth and optimizing processing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stream operators generate spawn tuples for every input tuple to enable comprehensive data processing, then processing completeness is improved, but inter-process communication bandwidth consumption increases and processing efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing completenessVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a configurable threshold parameter (tuple spawn count threshold) that controls the generation of spawn tuples. Instead of generating spawn tuples for every input tuple, the system compares the current spawn count against the threshold and only generates new spawn tuples when the threshold is not exceeded. This parameter-based control mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing complete processing within acceptable limits while preventing bandwidth exhaustion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the tuple generation behavior adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts spawn tuple generation based on the current spawn count relative to the threshold, enabling the processing system to respond to changing data volumes and communication conditions. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain processing completeness when conditions permit while preventing efficiency degradation when bandwidth becomes constrained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If stream operators create multiple spawn tuples from each input tuple to enable comprehensive analysis, then data analysis capability is improved, but inter-process communication bandwidth consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata analysis capabilityVSAvoidinter-process communication bandwidth consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes by establishing a threshold parameter that controls the quantity of spawn tuples generated. This parameter acts as a control mechanism that balances data analysis capability against communication bandwidth consumption. By adjusting the threshold, the system can adapt to different bandwidth conditions while maintaining meaningful analysis capabilities, resolving the contradiction between analysis versatility and bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by generating spawn tuples selectively rather than for every possible input tuple. Instead of creating all potential spawn tuples (excessive action), the system generates only those that are necessary and within the threshold limit (partial action). This selective generation maintains sufficient data analysis capability while preventing excessive bandwidth consumption, effectively resolving the contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If database systems store and index all streaming data before analysis to ensure accurate querying, then query accuracy is improved, but real-time processing capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery accuracyVSAvoidreal-time processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the tuple spawn count threshold before data processing begins. This threshold is configured in advance based on expected data volumes and communication bandwidth constraints, allowing the system to make real-time decisions without complex runtime calculations. The preliminary configuration enables real-time processing while maintaining query accuracy through controlled spawn tuple generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements segmentation by dividing the data processing into controlled units (spawn tuples) with explicit generation rules. Instead of treating all streaming data as a single bulk operation, the system segments processing into individual tuple operations with configurable limits. This segmentation enables real-time processing of manageable data units while maintaining query accuracy through systematic control of data generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10061810B2Limiting tuple creation at the tuple level
Publication Date: 2018.08.28 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US10061810B2 patent drawing
  • US10061810B2 patent drawing
  • US10061810B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An administrator may wish to limit the number of tuples that may be spawned as a result of a first tuple entering an operator graph. A first stream operator may receive a first tuple in order to perform an operation on the first tuple to generate a second tuple. The first stream operator may determine whether it is permitted to generate the second tuple by comparing the first tuple's tuple spawn counts to a tuple creation policy. If the first stream operator is permitted to generate the second tuple, the first stream operator may perform the operation on the first tuple and generate the second tuple.