Virtual Table Mapping for Dynamic Search Result Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing database systems face challenges in processing search results that span multiple disparate tables, as users often need to issue creative or technically complex searches to interact with results, due to the need for pre-defined table definitions that cannot account for all possible combinations of fields.
Innovation Solution
The technique involves mapping physical tables to multiple virtual tables, where concepts from search results are identified and combined into virtual tables with their own schema, allowing for dynamic joining and interaction as a single results table, eliminating the need for pre-defining all permutations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-established table definitions are used for likely combinations of fields, then general or popular searches can be handled, but all possible combinations of fields cannot be accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically creates virtual tables on-demand based on the actual search results returned from physical tables. Instead of having static pre-defined table definitions for all possible combinations, the system adapts to the specific query results and creates the necessary virtual table structure dynamically, allowing handling of any field combination without requiring exhaustive predefined definitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual tables that are copies or representations of the actual search result structure. These virtual tables mirror the schema of the returned results, allowing the system to work with any combination of fields from physical tables without needing to pre-define every possible combination. The virtual table is a conceptual copy that adapts to the actual data structure.
2Quantity of substance
If results from multiple disparate tables are joined, then comprehensive search results can be obtained, but the results cannot be treated as a single table for further interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces virtual tables as intermediary structures between the physical tables and the user interface. These virtual tables serve as a mediating layer that consolidates results from multiple physical tables into a unified structure that can be treated as a single table. The virtual table acts as an intermediary representation that maintains the completeness of multi-table results while providing a simplified interface for further operations.
3Productivity
If users issue more creative or technically complex searches, then desired results can be achieved, but the user interface becomes less user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically creating and managing the virtual table structure based on the search query and results. Instead of requiring users to manually specify complex table joins or configurations, the system autonomously analyzes the search results, identifies the necessary virtual table structure, and sets up the appropriate schema. This self-service approach maintains high search accuracy while preserving simple user interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are presented for mapping a physical table to multiple virtual tables. One or more fields within a results set from a query are mapped or associated to one or more virtual tables. The virtual tables are organized as sub graphs and connected together as a set. A reference to the set is provided to a table join analysis service and a join is performed against the set to produce a single logical reference to a table. The single table reference may be treated as a single table for purposes of subsequent search and retrieval by a searcher.