Tuple Attribute Locking in Stream Computing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Database systems are not well-suited for real-time processing and analysis of large volumes of streaming data, as they struggle to efficiently store, index, and analyze data in real-time, leading to potential unauthorized modifications of tuple attributes by stream operators.

Innovation Solution

Implementing tuple attribute locking in a stream computing environment, where locks can be set manually or automatically based on trigger conditions, inhibiting access to attributes by stream operators, and stored as metadata or in shared storage, ensuring data integrity and protecting attributes from unauthorized modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If database systems are used to store and process streaming data, then data can be stored and indexed, but real-time processing efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidreal-time processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data processing architecture by introducing a separate stream computing engine that operates independently from the database system. This allows streaming data to be processed in real-time through memory-based operations while the database handles persistent storage, resolving the contradiction between data reliability and real-time processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary stream computing engine that sits between the data source and the database system. This intermediary processes streaming data in real-time using in-memory data structures, enabling efficient real-time analysis while maintaining data integrity through controlled access to the underlying database storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If stream operators access tuple attributes freely, then processing flexibility is improved, but data integrity deteriorates due to unauthorized modifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing flexibilityVSAvoiddata integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality control by implementing fine-grained locking mechanisms on specific tuple attributes rather than locking entire tuples. This allows stream operators to access and modify only the specific attributes they need while maintaining integrity controls on locked attributes, thus preserving both processing flexibility and data integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control through lock status checking mechanisms. Stream operators continuously check the lock status of tuple attributes before accessing them, and the system provides feedback about lock states to coordinate access across multiple operators. This feedback mechanism ensures data integrity while allowing flexible processing of unlocked attributes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If locks are implemented on tuple attributes, then data integrity is improved, but processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidprocessing overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing locks only on specific tuple attributes that require integrity protection, rather than locking all attributes of all tuples. This selective locking approach reduces the overall processing overhead while maintaining data integrity for critical attributes, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10346385B2Attribute locking of stream computing tuples
Publication Date: 2019.07.09 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US10346385B2 patent drawing
  • US10346385B2 patent drawing
  • US10346385B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Tuple attribute locking is implemented in a stream computing environment to selectively inhibit access to one or more attributes of tuples by stream operators.