Querying database system to execute stored procedures using abstract data type attributes, retrieving location information of data, sub-data between first and second servers

Abstract

A parallel database system retrieval method and system for transferring from database operation servers to a front end server only those data items that are used in subsequent processing, thereby shortening the query time when the unused data are massive. The invention allows an initial retrieval query to transfer only location information about the target data from a database operation server to the front end server. Using the location information the invention permits a subsequent query to get variable-bound location information so that the latter query will retrieve a desired sub-data item according to the acquired location information and dictionary information about the sub-data item locations within the data.

1 . (canceled)  
   
   
       2 . A database apparatus comprising: 
 a database for storing hierarchical data which includes at least one hierarchy of data, said data having a plurality of sub data;    a data definition information storage for storing identification information of said sub data corresponding to data type;    a function definition information storage for storing functions which define processes to be performed on said hierarchical data;    a portion for receiving a query having said sub data which is a part of said hierarchical data;    a portion for analyzing said query; and    a portion for executing said query for said sub data, according to the data type indicated by said identification information, based on said functions stored in said function definition information storage.    
   
   
       3 . The database according to  claim 2 , wherein said portion for analyzing decides a data structure of said sub data based on data definition information.  
   
   
       4 . The database according to  claim 3 , wherein said portion for executing outputs a result of said query including hierarchical data which includes sub data having said data structure decided by said portion for analyzing.  
   
   
       5 . The database according to  claim 2 , wherein said portion for executing acquires said sub data which forms a part of said hierarchical data.  
   
   
       6 . The database according to  claim 2 , wherein said portion for analyzing acquires location information, and wherein said portion for executing executes said query for sub data indicated by said location information.  
   
   
       7 . A method of processing a query in a database apparatus including a database, said method comprising the steps of: 
 storing hierarchical data which includes at least one hierarchy of data, said data having a plurality of sub data;    storing identification information of said sub data corresponding to data type;    storing functions which define processes to be performed on said hierarchical data;    receiving a query having said sub data which is a part of said hierarchical data;    analyzing said query; and    executing said query for said sub data, according to the data type indicated by said identification information, based on the stored functions.    
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein said analyzing step decides a data structure of said sub data based on data definition information.  
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein said executing step outputs a result of said query including hierarchical data which includes sub data having said data structure decided by said analyzing step.  
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein said executing step acquires said sub data which forms a part of said hierarchical data.  
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein said analyzing step acquires location information, and 
 wherein said executing step executes said query for sub data indicated by said location information.