Electrical computers and digital processing systems: memory – Storage accessing and control – Access timing
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-22
2001-12-11
Ellis, Kevin L. (Department: 2185)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: memory
Storage accessing and control
Access timing
C707S793000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06330652
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to data storage and retrieval systems, for e.g., in a telecommunications network, and more particularly, to an improved method for high-speed data queuing and retrieval in a distributed network.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
There are many applications in a telecommunications network that require high-speed data processing. Examples include the collection, sorting, and forwarding of call detail database records which contain, e.g., date, time, origination and termination of routing queries for customers of a telecommunications carrier. It is the case that hundreds of millions of these call records may be processed per day in a typical network. Another example is the distribution, storage, and retrieval of “items” for real-time call processing. In the context of this disclosure, “items” refer to data entities that are to be collected, sorted, and provided to a requesting object, i.e., network process, and may be objects, files, records, or any sort of data elements. In the context of telecommunications, for example, a requesting object can be an Automated Call Distributor (ACD) switch feature that distributes calls in one or more queues to one or more agents. Thus, in this context, items are calls in queues. Another example is a call record processing system that collects and processes call records generated from a plurality of network elements in a telecommunications network. One requirement that these different applications have in common is the need for high-speed data retrieval, e.g., from computer memory or magnetic/optical storage devices, and sorting. Data retrieval is often needed from temporary data queues that are distributed among a plurality of computers and/or data storage devices. Thus, data must be advantageously sorted as well.
A problem exists in that database mechanisms that write data to and read data from memory and storage devices are often too slow to meet the high-speed demands of data processing systems for telecommunications networks and other applications. Often, a single process or object needs to retrieve data from multiple data queues that are distributed among a plurality of computers or storage devices (“sources”) that are accessed via a data network. Prior art systems which enable a software process or object to retrieve data from a single source or from multiple sources across a network using available database read/write mechanisms are just too slow to meet the high-speed demands of many of today's high-volume data processing applications.
It would be highly desirable to provide a data queuing and data retrieval method for networks requiring high-rates of data collection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a data retrieval and sorting methodology for systems requiring high-rates of data collection, and to provide a queue management architecture for systems requiring high-rates of data collection.
In one embodiment of the invention a queue management structure implements a lower data storage tier that is completely partitioned from an upper data retrieval tier, enabling a data retrieval process to be performed at high speeds without interfering with, and without being interfered by, the data storage process.
In another embodiment of the invention the system includes a multi-tier queue management architecture a lower data storage and data selecting tier, an upper data storage and data selecting tier employing a quick cache storage device, and incorporates one or more intermediate tiers each having both a quick cache storage and data retrieval process for enabling efficient data retrieval of items from said lower level to said upper level in accordance with a pre-determined item select algorithm.
Still another embodiment of the invention provide a queue management architecture implementing one or more quick caches comprising items that have already been sorted, thus facilitating the data retrieval process.
Yet still another embodiment of the invention provides a queue management architecture that enables the use of multiple write/storage processes in parallel.
In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for queuing and retrieving items in a network system executing process requests for the items, the method comprising the steps of utilizing one or more item select processes that each selectively retrieve items from corresponding one or more sources containing the items in accordance with a received request for the items; temporarily storing the selectively retrieved items to one or more memory cache units; and simultaneously feeding items from the one or more memory cache units to a requesting process in the network, the feeding step including selecting an item order in accordance with a sequence specified by said requesting process.
Advantageously, the method and apparatus of the invention greatly improves the data retrieval rate and sorting function for systems implementing slow read/write mechanisms.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5084815 (1992-01-01), Mazzario
Ellis Kevin L.
MCI Communications Corporation
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for high-speed data queuing and data... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for high-speed data queuing and data..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for high-speed data queuing and data... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2556619