Efficient calculation of sets of distinct results in an information retrieval service

摘要

Systems and methods are provided for efficient calculation of sets of distinct results in an information retrieval service. A query is received having at least one requested attribute and one or more conditions. For each row identifier in a database table that matches the one or more conditions, a tuple of value identifiers having an entry for each requested attribute is calculated. A unique number is generated and assigned to the tuple for each distinct combination of the value identifiers. Duplicate entries in the tuple listing are identified and removed, so that a result set provides only distinct results.