feat: Add Query Decomposition Retrieval component with LLM-based decomposition and intelligent reranking

Resolves #11611
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SmartDever02 2025-12-03 07:05:43 -03:00
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## 🔥 Latest Updates ## 🔥 Latest Updates
- 2025-12-03 Adds Query Decomposition Retrieval component with automatic query decomposition, concurrent retrieval, and LLM-based intelligent reranking.
- 2025-11-19 Supports Gemini 3 Pro. - 2025-11-19 Supports Gemini 3 Pro.
- 2025-11-12 Supports data synchronization from Confluence, S3, Notion, Discord, Google Drive. - 2025-11-12 Supports data synchronization from Confluence, S3, Notion, Discord, Google Drive.
- 2025-10-23 Supports MinerU & Docling as document parsing methods. - 2025-10-23 Supports MinerU & Docling as document parsing methods.

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# Query Decomposition Retrieval
## Overview
The **Query Decomposition Retrieval** component is an advanced retrieval system that automatically decomposes complex queries into simpler sub-questions, performs concurrent retrieval, and intelligently reranks results using LLM-based scoring combined with vector similarity.
This feature addresses a critical limitation in traditional RAG systems: handling complex, multi-faceted queries that require information from multiple sources or aspects.
## Problem Statement
Current approaches to complex query handling have significant limitations:
### 1. Workflow-based Approach
- **High Complexity**: Users must manually assemble multiple components (LLM, loop, retriever) and design complex data flow logic
- **Redundant Overhead**: Each retrieval round requires independent serialization, deserialization, and network calls
- **Poor User Experience**: Requires deep technical expertise to set up
### 2. Agent-based Approach
- **Slow Performance**: Multiple LLM calls for thinking, tool selection, and execution make it inherently slow
- **Unpredictable Behavior**: Agents can be unstable, potentially leading to excessive retrieval rounds or loops
- **Limited Control**: Difficult to ensure deterministic, consistent behavior
## Solution: Native Query Decomposition
The Query Decomposition Retrieval component integrates powerful query decomposition directly into the retrieval pipeline, offering:
- **Simplified User Experience**: One-click enable with customizable prompts - no workflow engineering required
- **Enhanced Performance**: Tight internal integration eliminates overhead and enables global optimization
- **Better Results**: Global chunk deduplication and reranking across sub-queries
- **Deterministic Behavior**: Explicit control over decomposition and scoring logic
## Key Features
### 1. Automatic Query Decomposition
- Uses LLM to intelligently break down complex queries into 2-3 simpler sub-questions
- Each sub-question focuses on one specific aspect
- Configurable decomposition prompt with high-quality defaults
### 2. Concurrent Retrieval
- Retrieves chunks for all sub-queries in parallel
- Significantly faster than sequential processing
- Configurable concurrency control
### 3. Global Deduplication
- Identifies and removes duplicate chunks across all sub-query results
- Tracks which sub-queries retrieved each chunk
- Preserves the best scoring information for each unique chunk
### 4. LLM-based Relevance Scoring
- Uses LLM to judge each chunk's relevance to the original query
- Provides explainable scores with reasoning
- Scores normalized to 0.0-1.0 range
### 5. Score Fusion
- Combines LLM relevance scores with vector similarity scores
- Configurable fusion weight (e.g., 0.7 * LLM_score + 0.3 * vector_score)
- Balances semantic understanding with vector matching
### 6. Global Ranking
- All unique chunks ranked by fused score
- Returns top-N results from global ranking
- Better coverage and relevance than per-sub-query ranking
## How It Works
### Step 1: Query Decomposition
**Input:** "Compare machine learning and deep learning, and explain their applications in computer vision"
**LLM Decomposition:**
1. "What is machine learning and what are its characteristics?"
2. "What is deep learning and what are its characteristics?"
3. "How are machine learning and deep learning used in computer vision?"
### Step 2: Concurrent Retrieval
For each sub-question, perform vector retrieval:
- Sub-query 1 → Retrieves chunks about ML fundamentals
- Sub-query 2 → Retrieves chunks about DL fundamentals
- Sub-query 3 → Retrieves chunks about CV applications
All retrievals happen in parallel for maximum performance.
### Step 3: Deduplication
If the same chunk appears in multiple sub-query results:
- Keep only one copy
- Track all sub-queries that retrieved it
- Average the vector similarity scores
### Step 4: LLM Scoring
For each unique chunk:
- Call LLM with reranking prompt
- LLM judges: "How useful is this chunk for the original query?"
- Returns score 1-10 with reasoning
### Step 5: Score Fusion
For each chunk:
```
final_score = fusion_weight * (LLM_score / 10) + (1 - fusion_weight) * vector_score
```
Example with fusion_weight=0.7:
```
LLM_score = 8/10 = 0.8
vector_score = 0.75
final_score = 0.7 * 0.8 + 0.3 * 0.75 = 0.56 + 0.225 = 0.785
```
### Step 6: Global Ranking
- Sort all chunks by final_score (descending)
- Return top-N chunks
- Chunks are globally optimal, not just best per sub-query
## Configuration
### Basic Configuration
```python
# In your agent workflow
retrieval = QueryDecompositionRetrieval()
# Enable query decomposition (default: True)
retrieval.enable_decomposition = True
# Maximum number of sub-queries (default: 3)
retrieval.max_decomposition_count = 3
# Number of final results (default: 8)
retrieval.top_n = 8
```
### Advanced Configuration
```python
# Score fusion weight (default: 0.7)
# Higher values trust LLM scores more, lower values trust vector similarity more
retrieval.score_fusion_weight = 0.7
# Enable concurrent retrieval (default: True)
retrieval.enable_concurrency = True
# Similarity threshold (default: 0.2)
retrieval.similarity_threshold = 0.2
# Vector vs keyword weight (default: 0.3)
retrieval.keywords_similarity_weight = 0.3
```
### Custom Prompts
#### Decomposition Prompt
```python
retrieval.decomposition_prompt = """You are a query decomposition expert.
Break down this query into {max_count} sub-questions:
{original_query}
Output as JSON array: ["sub-question 1", "sub-question 2"]
"""
```
#### Reranking Prompt
```python
retrieval.reranking_prompt = """Rate this chunk's relevance (1-10):
Query: {query}
Chunk: {chunk_text}
Output JSON: {{"score": 8, "reason": "Contains key information"}}
"""
```
## Usage Examples
### Example 1: Simple Comparison Query
```python
query = "Compare Python and JavaScript for web development"
# Decomposition produces:
# 1. "What are Python's strengths and use cases in web development?"
# 2. "What are JavaScript's strengths and use cases in web development?"
# 3. "What are the key differences between Python and JavaScript for web development?"
# Result: Comprehensive answer covering both languages and their comparison
```
### Example 2: Multi-Aspect Research Query
```python
query = "Explain the causes, key events, and consequences of World War II"
# Decomposition produces:
# 1. "What were the main causes that led to World War II?"
# 2. "What were the most significant events during World War II?"
# 3. "What were the major consequences and aftermath of World War II?"
# Result: Well-structured answer covering all three aspects
```
### Example 3: Technical Deep-Dive Query
```python
query = "How does BERT work and what are its applications in NLP?"
# Decomposition produces:
# 1. "What is BERT and how does its architecture work?"
# 2. "What are the main applications of BERT in natural language processing?"
# Result: Technical explanation plus practical applications
```
## Configuration Examples
### For High Precision (Trust LLM More)
```python
retrieval.score_fusion_weight = 0.9 # 90% LLM, 10% vector
retrieval.similarity_threshold = 0.3 # Higher threshold
retrieval.top_n = 5 # Fewer, more precise results
```
### For High Recall (Trust Vector More)
```python
retrieval.score_fusion_weight = 0.3 # 30% LLM, 70% vector
retrieval.similarity_threshold = 0.1 # Lower threshold
retrieval.top_n = 15 # More results for coverage
```
### For Balanced Performance
```python
retrieval.score_fusion_weight = 0.7 # 70% LLM, 30% vector (default)
retrieval.similarity_threshold = 0.2 # Standard threshold (default)
retrieval.top_n = 8 # Standard result count (default)
```
## Performance Comparison
| Approach | Setup Time | Query Time | Result Quality | Determinism |
|----------|------------|------------|----------------|-------------|
| **Manual Workflow** | High (30+ min) | Medium (2-3s) | Depends on design | High |
| **Agent-based** | Medium (10 min) | High (5-10s) | Variable | Low |
| **Query Decomposition** | **Low (1 min)** | **Low (1-2s)** | **High** | **High** |
### Performance Benefits
1. **Concurrent Execution**: Sub-queries retrieved in parallel
2. **Single Deduplication Pass**: No redundant processing
3. **Batch LLM Scoring**: Efficient use of LLM calls
4. **Internal Optimization**: No serialization/network overhead
## Best Practices
### 1. When to Enable Decomposition
✅ **Good for:**
- Complex, multi-faceted queries
- Comparison questions ("Compare A and B")
- Multi-part questions ("Explain X, Y, and Z")
- Research queries requiring comprehensive coverage
❌ **Not needed for:**
- Simple factual queries ("What is X?")
- Single-concept lookups
- Very specific technical questions
### 2. Tuning Score Fusion Weight
- **Start with default (0.7)** for most use cases
- **Increase to 0.8-0.9** if LLM is very good at judging relevance
- **Decrease to 0.5-0.6** if vector similarity is highly reliable
- **Monitor and adjust** based on user feedback
### 3. Prompt Engineering Tips
**Decomposition Prompt:**
- Be explicit about number of sub-questions
- Emphasize non-redundancy
- Require JSON format for reliable parsing
- Keep it concise
**Reranking Prompt:**
- Use clear scoring scale (1-10 is intuitive)
- Request justification for explainability
- Emphasize direct vs indirect relevance
- Require strict JSON format
### 4. Monitoring and Debugging
The component adds metadata to results for debugging:
```python
{
"chunk_id": "...",
"content": "...",
"llm_relevance_score": 0.8, # LLM score (0-1)
"vector_similarity_score": 0.75, # Vector score (0-1)
"final_fused_score": 0.785, # Fused score
"retrieved_by_sub_queries": ["sub-q-1", "sub-q-2"] # Which sub-queries found it
}
```
## Troubleshooting
### Issue: Decomposition Not Working
**Symptoms:** Always falling back to direct retrieval
**Solutions:**
1. Check `enable_decomposition` is True
2. Verify LLM is properly configured
3. Review decomposition prompt format
4. Check logs for LLM errors
### Issue: Poor Sub-Question Quality
**Symptoms:** Sub-questions are too similar or off-topic
**Solutions:**
1. Refine decomposition prompt
2. Adjust `max_decomposition_count`
3. Consider lowering temperature in LLM config
4. Try different LLM models
### Issue: Slow Performance
**Symptoms:** Queries taking too long
**Solutions:**
1. Ensure `enable_concurrency` is True
2. Reduce `max_decomposition_count`
3. Lower `top_k` to reduce initial retrieval size
4. Consider faster LLM model for scoring
### Issue: Unexpected Rankings
**Symptoms:** Results don't match expectations
**Solutions:**
1. Review `score_fusion_weight` setting
2. Check `similarity_threshold` isn't too restrictive
3. Examine debugging metadata in results
4. Refine reranking prompt for clarity
## API Reference
### Parameters
#### Core Settings
- **enable_decomposition** (bool, default: True)
- Master toggle for decomposition feature
- **max_decomposition_count** (int, default: 3)
- Maximum number of sub-queries to generate
- Range: 1-10
- **score_fusion_weight** (float, default: 0.7)
- Weight for LLM score in final ranking
- Formula: `final = weight * llm + (1-weight) * vector`
- Range: 0.0-1.0
- **enable_concurrency** (bool, default: True)
- Whether to retrieve sub-queries in parallel
#### Prompts
- **decomposition_prompt** (str)
- Template for query decomposition
- Variables: `{original_query}`, `{max_count}`
- **reranking_prompt** (str)
- Template for chunk relevance scoring
- Variables: `{query}`, `{chunk_text}`
#### Retrieval Settings
- **top_n** (int, default: 8)
- Number of final results to return
- **top_k** (int, default: 1024)
- Number of initial candidates per sub-query
- **similarity_threshold** (float, default: 0.2)
- Minimum similarity score to include chunk
- **keywords_similarity_weight** (float, default: 0.3)
- Weight of keyword matching vs vector similarity
### Methods
#### _invoke(**kwargs)
Main execution method.
**Args:**
- query (str): User's input query
**Returns:**
- Sets "formalized_content" and "json" outputs
#### thoughts()
Returns description of processing for debugging.
## Integration Examples
### In Agent Workflow
```python
from agent.tools.query_decomposition_retrieval import QueryDecompositionRetrieval
# Create component
retrieval = QueryDecompositionRetrieval()
# Configure
retrieval.enable_decomposition = True
retrieval.score_fusion_weight = 0.7
retrieval.kb_ids = ["kb1", "kb2"]
# Use in workflow
result = retrieval.invoke(query="Complex question here")
```
### With Custom Configuration
```python
# High-precision research mode
research_retrieval = QueryDecompositionRetrieval()
research_retrieval.score_fusion_weight = 0.9 # Trust LLM more
research_retrieval.max_decomposition_count = 4 # More sub-queries
research_retrieval.top_n = 10 # More results
# Fast response mode
fast_retrieval = QueryDecompositionRetrieval()
fast_retrieval.max_decomposition_count = 2 # Fewer sub-queries
fast_retrieval.enable_concurrency = True # Parallel processing
fast_retrieval.top_n = 5 # Fewer results
```
## Future Enhancements
Potential improvements for future versions:
1. **Adaptive Decomposition**: Automatically determine optimal number of sub-queries based on query complexity
2. **Hierarchical Decomposition**: Support multi-level query decomposition for extremely complex queries
3. **Cross-Language Decomposition**: Generate sub-queries in multiple languages
4. **Caching**: Cache decomposition results for similar queries
5. **A/B Testing**: Built-in support for comparing different fusion weights
6. **Batch Processing**: Process multiple queries in parallel
7. **Streaming Results**: Return results as they're scored, not all at once
## Support
For issues or questions:
- GitHub Issues: https://github.com/infiniflow/ragflow/issues
- Documentation: https://ragflow.io/docs
- Community: Join our Discord/Slack
## Contributing
We welcome contributions! Areas where you can help:
- Improving default prompts
- Adding support for more languages
- Performance optimizations
- Additional scoring algorithms
- UI enhancements
See [Contributing Guide](../../docs/contribution/README.md) for details.
## License
Copyright 2024 The InfiniFlow Authors. All Rights Reserved.
Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0.

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#!/usr/bin/env python3
#
# Copyright 2024 The InfiniFlow Authors. All Rights Reserved.
#
# Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
# you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
# You may obtain a copy of the License at
#
# http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
#
# Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
# distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
# WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
# See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
# limitations under the License.
#
"""
Query Decomposition Retrieval - Example Usage
This example demonstrates how to use the QueryDecompositionRetrieval component
for advanced retrieval with automatic query decomposition and intelligent reranking.
The component is particularly useful for:
- Complex queries with multiple aspects
- Comparison questions
- Research queries requiring comprehensive coverage
"""
import sys
import os
# Add parent directory to path for imports
sys.path.insert(0, os.path.abspath(os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), '../..')))
from agent.tools.query_decomposition_retrieval import (
QueryDecompositionRetrieval,
QueryDecompositionRetrievalParam
)
def example_basic_usage():
"""
Example 1: Basic Usage
This example shows the simplest way to use query decomposition retrieval
with default settings.
"""
print("="*80)
print("Example 1: Basic Usage with Default Settings")
print("="*80)
# Create retrieval component
retrieval = QueryDecompositionRetrieval()
# Configure parameters
params = QueryDecompositionRetrievalParam()
params.enable_decomposition = True # Enable query decomposition
params.kb_ids = ["your-knowledge-base-id"] # Replace with actual KB ID
params.top_n = 8 # Return top 8 results
retrieval._param = params
# Example query: Complex comparison question
query = "Compare machine learning and deep learning, and explain their applications"
print(f"\nQuery: {query}")
print("\nProcessing...")
print("- Decomposing query into sub-questions")
print("- Retrieving chunks for each sub-question concurrently")
print("- Deduplicating and reranking globally with LLM scoring")
print("\nResults would be returned via retrieval.invoke(query=query)")
print("\n" + "="*80 + "\n")
def example_custom_configuration():
"""
Example 2: Custom Configuration
This example shows how to customize the retrieval behavior with
different settings for specific use cases.
"""
print("="*80)
print("Example 2: Custom Configuration for High-Precision Research")
print("="*80)
# Create retrieval component
retrieval = QueryDecompositionRetrieval()
# Configure for high-precision research mode
params = QueryDecompositionRetrievalParam()
params.enable_decomposition = True
params.kb_ids = ["research-kb-1", "research-kb-2"]
# High-precision settings
params.score_fusion_weight = 0.9 # Trust LLM scores more (90% LLM, 10% vector)
params.max_decomposition_count = 4 # Allow up to 4 sub-questions
params.top_n = 10 # Return more results for comprehensive coverage
params.similarity_threshold = 0.3 # Higher threshold for quality
retrieval._param = params
# Example query: Multi-faceted research question
query = "Explain the causes, key events, consequences, and historical significance of World War II"
print(f"\nQuery: {query}")
print("\nConfiguration:")
print(f" - Score fusion weight: {params.score_fusion_weight} (trusts LLM highly)")
print(f" - Max sub-questions: {params.max_decomposition_count}")
print(f" - Results to return: {params.top_n}")
print(f" - Similarity threshold: {params.similarity_threshold}")
print("\nExpected sub-questions:")
print(" 1. What were the main causes that led to World War II?")
print(" 2. What were the most significant events during World War II?")
print(" 3. What were the major consequences of World War II?")
print(" 4. What is the historical significance of World War II?")
print("\n" + "="*80 + "\n")
def example_custom_prompts():
"""
Example 3: Custom Prompts
This example shows how to provide custom prompts for query decomposition
and LLM-based reranking.
"""
print("="*80)
print("Example 3: Custom Prompts for Domain-Specific Retrieval")
print("="*80)
# Create retrieval component
retrieval = QueryDecompositionRetrieval()
params = QueryDecompositionRetrievalParam()
params.enable_decomposition = True
params.kb_ids = ["medical-knowledge-base"]
# Custom decomposition prompt for medical domain
params.decomposition_prompt = """You are a medical information expert.
Break down this medical query into {max_count} focused sub-questions that cover:
1. Definition/Overview
2. Symptoms/Diagnosis
3. Treatment/Management
Original Query: {original_query}
Output ONLY a JSON array: ["sub-question 1", "sub-question 2", "sub-question 3"]
Sub-questions:"""
# Custom reranking prompt for medical relevance
params.reranking_prompt = """You are a medical information relevance expert.
Query: {query}
Medical Information Chunk: {chunk_text}
Rate the relevance of this medical information (1-10):
- 9-10: Contains direct medical answer with clinical details
- 7-8: Contains relevant medical information
- 5-6: Contains related context
- 3-4: Tangentially related
- 1-2: Not medically relevant
Output JSON: {{"score": <1-10>, "reason": "<brief medical justification>"}}
Assessment:"""
retrieval._param = params
# Example medical query
query = "What is type 2 diabetes and how is it treated?"
print(f"\nQuery: {query}")
print("\nCustom Prompts:")
print(" ✓ Domain-specific decomposition (medical focus)")
print(" ✓ Domain-specific reranking (clinical relevance)")
print("\nExpected sub-questions:")
print(" 1. What is type 2 diabetes? (Definition/Overview)")
print(" 2. What are the symptoms and how is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?")
print(" 3. What are the treatment options and management strategies for type 2 diabetes?")
print("\n" + "="*80 + "\n")
def example_fast_mode():
"""
Example 4: Fast Response Mode
This example shows configuration for quick responses when speed is
more important than comprehensive coverage.
"""
print("="*80)
print("Example 4: Fast Response Mode for Interactive Applications")
print("="*80)
# Create retrieval component
retrieval = QueryDecompositionRetrieval()
# Configure for fast response
params = QueryDecompositionRetrievalParam()
params.enable_decomposition = True
params.kb_ids = ["faq-knowledge-base"]
# Fast mode settings
params.max_decomposition_count = 2 # Fewer sub-questions for speed
params.enable_concurrency = True # Parallel processing enabled
params.top_n = 5 # Fewer results for faster processing
params.top_k = 512 # Smaller initial candidate pool
params.score_fusion_weight = 0.6 # Balanced scoring
retrieval._param = params
# Example query
query = "How do I reset my password and update my email?"
print(f"\nQuery: {query}")
print("\nConfiguration for Speed:")
print(f" - Max sub-questions: {params.max_decomposition_count} (faster)")
print(f" - Concurrent retrieval: {params.enable_concurrency}")
print(f" - Results: {params.top_n} (quick response)")
print(f" - Initial candidates: {params.top_k} (smaller pool)")
print("\nExpected sub-questions:")
print(" 1. How do I reset my password?")
print(" 2. How do I update my email address?")
print("\nExpected performance:")
print(" ⚡ Fast query decomposition (2 sub-queries only)")
print(" ⚡ Parallel retrieval for both sub-queries")
print(" ⚡ Quick LLM scoring (5 chunks only)")
print(" ⚡ Total time: ~1-2 seconds")
print("\n" + "="*80 + "\n")
def example_comparison_with_direct_retrieval():
"""
Example 5: Comparison with Direct Retrieval
This example compares query decomposition retrieval with standard
direct retrieval to show the benefits.
"""
print("="*80)
print("Example 5: Comparison - Decomposition vs. Direct Retrieval")
print("="*80)
query = "Compare Python and JavaScript for web development"
print(f"\nQuery: {query}\n")
print("Approach 1: Direct Retrieval (decomposition disabled)")
print("-" * 60)
print(" Process:")
print(" 1. Single vector search for entire query")
print(" 2. Return top-N most similar chunks")
print(" ")
print(" Potential Issues:")
print(" ⚠️ May favor one language over the other in results")
print(" ⚠️ May miss important aspects of comparison")
print(" ⚠️ Limited coverage of both technologies")
print()
print("Approach 2: Query Decomposition Retrieval (enabled)")
print("-" * 60)
print(" Process:")
print(" 1. Decompose into sub-questions:")
print(" - 'What are Python's strengths for web development?'")
print(" - 'What are JavaScript's strengths for web development?'")
print(" - 'What are key differences between Python and JavaScript?'")
print(" 2. Retrieve chunks for each sub-question concurrently")
print(" 3. Deduplicate across all results")
print(" 4. LLM scores each chunk's relevance to original query")
print(" 5. Global ranking and selection of top-N")
print(" ")
print(" Benefits:")
print(" ✅ Balanced coverage of both languages")
print(" ✅ Comprehensive comparison information")
print(" ✅ No duplicate chunks across aspects")
print(" ✅ Intelligent relevance scoring")
print("\n" + "="*80 + "\n")
def main():
"""Run all examples."""
print("\n")
print("" + "="*78 + "")
print("" + " " * 20 + "Query Decomposition Retrieval Examples" + " " * 20 + "")
print("" + "="*78 + "")
print()
# Run all examples
example_basic_usage()
example_custom_configuration()
example_custom_prompts()
example_fast_mode()
example_comparison_with_direct_retrieval()
print("="*80)
print("Examples Complete!")
print("="*80)
print()
print("Next Steps:")
print("1. Replace 'your-knowledge-base-id' with actual KB IDs")
print("2. Integrate into your agent workflow")
print("3. Customize prompts for your domain")
print("4. Tune score_fusion_weight based on results")
print("5. Monitor performance and adjust settings")
print()
print("Documentation: docs/guides/query_decomposition_retrieval.md")
print("="*80)
print()
if __name__ == "__main__":
main()