Index-Based XML Query Evaluation via Descriptive Catalog
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current database systems are inefficient in handling complex XPath queries for XML documents, leading to resource-intensive keyword searches that are not as effective as relational DBMS searches for structured data.
Innovation Solution
The system represents a markup language document as a descriptive catalog and captures relationships as an index summary, enabling efficient evaluation of path-based queries through an index-based methodology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If keyword searches are used to search XML data, then the search can be performed on semi-structured data, but the search is resource-intensive and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-processes XML documents by constructing indexes during document parsing and storage. These indexes capture the hierarchical structure, element names, attributes, and text content of XML elements. When a query is executed, the pre-built indexes enable efficient retrieval without scanning the entire document, thus resolving the contradiction between handling semi-structured data and maintaining search efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate indexing layer between the XML storage and query processing. This indexing mechanism translates semi-structured XML data into a structured format that can be efficiently queried using SQL-like syntax. The index serves as a mediator that enables relational database operations on XML data without requiring full document scans, thereby improving productivity while maintaining adaptability
2Ease of operation
If XPath queries are evaluated without indexes, then the queries can operate on the logical structure of XML documents, but the evaluation is resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-computes and stores index structures that represent the XPath navigable hierarchy of XML documents during document ingestion. These indexes cache element paths, attribute values, and text content in a format optimized for XPath evaluation. When XPath queries are executed, the pre-computed indexes enable rapid pattern matching and node selection without traversing the entire document tree, thus reducing resource consumption while maintaining full XPath functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies of XML document structures in the form of indexes that preserve the hierarchical and navigational properties needed for XPath queries. These index copies store essential information (element names, paths, attributes, text) in a compact, query-optimized format. The XPath engine queries these copies rather than the original documents, significantly reducing processing resources while maintaining query accuracy and functionality
3Measurement precision
If full XML documents are scanned for query evaluation, then accurate results can be obtained, but the processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates only the necessary portions of XML documents into index structures during pre-processing. The indexes contain curated information (element identifiers, paths, attributes, text content) that is sufficient for query evaluation. When queries are executed, the system queries these extracted index portions rather than scanning full documents, obtaining accurate results while dramatically reducing processing time by excluding irrelevant document portions from the search
4Ease of manufacture
If XML data is stored in plain text format, then the data can be easily transmitted and stored, but the data cannot be easily searched in database systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary transformation of plain text XML data into structured index formats during the data ingestion phase. The indexing process parses the XML text, identifies elements, attributes, and text content, and organizes this information into database-friendly structures. This pre-processing enables subsequent database operations (searching, filtering, joining) on XML data while the original plain text format remains preserved for transmission and storage purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary indexing layer that bridges plain text XML storage and database system queries. The index structures serve as a translation layer, converting unstructured XML text into a format that database engines can efficiently process. This mediator enables database systems to search and manipulate XML data using standard SQL operations without requiring the XML to be stored in complex nested formats, thus maintaining ease of storage while improving searchability
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer program product embodiments are provided for path-based query evaluation. The embodiments include representing a markup language document as a descriptive catalog, and capturing relationships in the descriptive catalog as an index summary. The index summary is utilized for evaluating a path-based query.