Unified Data Model Querying Hierarchical and Relational Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing systems face inefficiencies due to the coexistence of disparate data formats, particularly in enterprise IT environments, where relational and hierarchical data models require separate tools and query languages, leading to complex and inefficient software systems.
Innovation Solution
A unified data model and query mechanism that transforms data into a hierarchical structure with tree nodes and leaf nodes, allowing SQL-like languages to query and transform data independently of underlying storage formats, enabling queries to be written without regard to the storage type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate tools and query languages are used for relational and hierarchical data models, then each data model can be processed with specialized tools, but the software system becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal query processing platform that can handle both relational and hierarchical data models through a single interface. The system uses a unified query language that automatically adapts to the underlying data model, eliminating the need for separate tools while maintaining specialized processing capabilities for each data type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (query processing system) that sits between the user and the underlying data storage systems. This intermediary translates unified queries into model-specific operations, allowing users to interact with a single interface while the system handles the complexity of different data models internally.
2Reliability
If multiple specialized tools are used for different data formats, then each tool can be optimized for its specific data type, but the number of tools and integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple specialized tools into a single integrated platform. By combining relational and hierarchical query processing capabilities into one system with a unified interface, it reduces the number of tools needed while maintaining the reliability of specialized processing through internal optimization for each data type.
3Productivity
If data queries are written with regard to underlying storage formats, then queries can be optimized for specific storage types, but queries become format-dependent and harder to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The query processing system acts as an intermediary that accepts format-agnostic queries and automatically optimizes them for the underlying storage format. This allows queries to be written in a unified, maintainable syntax while the system handles format-specific optimizations internally, improving both ease of operation and execution efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes query parameters and execution plans based on the detected underlying storage format. The unified query language allows users to write queries without specifying storage details, while the system automatically adjusts optimization parameters according to the actual data model being queried.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of querying data. The method includes transforming first data according to a unified data model. The unified data model has a hierarchical structure with tree nodes and leaf nodes. A leaf node contains a table. The method further includes executing a unified data model query on the first data (having been transformed) to result in second data. The method further includes outputting the second data.