XML Table Index for Efficient Metadata Querying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing relational database management systems face inefficiencies in querying XML data, particularly when stored in aggregate form, as they lack the indexing and query optimization mechanisms available for object-relational storage, leading to slow query performance and resource-intensive operations.

Innovation Solution

The creation of an XML table index that projects XML data into column form, allowing for the application of object-relational query techniques to XML data stored in aggregate form, thereby avoiding the need for shredding and well-defined schemas, and improving query efficiency by leveraging secondary indexes and statistical analysis to optimize column inclusion based on query frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If XML data is stored in aggregate form, then storage flexibility and simplicity are improved, but query performance deteriorates due to lack of indexing mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoidquery performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments XML data storage into two parts: aggregate storage for flexibility and a separate relational projection table for efficient querying. The projection table divides XML elements into columns and rows, enabling indexing while maintaining aggregate storage benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a projection table as an intermediary between aggregate XML storage and query operations. This intermediary structure enables relational indexing and query optimization without requiring changes to the underlying aggregate storage format.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If XML data is shredded into object-relational format, then query efficiency is improved through indexing, but storage complexity and resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequery efficiencyVSAvoidstorage complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a projection table that contains only the specific columns and rows relevant to query operations, rather than converting the entire XML structure. This localized approach provides indexing benefits for queried data while maintaining aggregate storage for the rest.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs partial shredding by creating a projection table with selected XML elements rather than fully converting all XML data to object-relational format. This partial action provides sufficient indexing capability for common queries while avoiding the complexity of complete conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Speed

If projection tables are created for XML table indexes, then query access efficiency is improved, but storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequery access efficiencyVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The projection table serves multiple functions: it enables relational indexing for efficient queries, maintains a simplified view of XML data, and supports both aggregate and projected access methods. This multi-functionality justifies the additional storage by providing versatile query capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7644066B2Techniques of efficient XML meta-data query using XML table index

Publication Date: 2010.01.05 ORACLE INT CORP

AI summary

XML table indexes provide a more efficient mechanism for searching data stored in aggregate form. XML table indexes are a set of tables created to project out in column form commonly sought metadata from stored XML documents. By projecting the data includes into column form, queries on the XML documents can be efficiently processed as they can leverage the enhanced functionality provided by the database tables. The XML table indexes may use aliases, partitioning, constraints and other functions to further improve query flexibility and performance.