Method and apparatus for querying a computerized database

• US 20050165748A1
• Filed: 01/15/2004
• Published: 07/28/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/15/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC (Seagate Technology Holdings Plc)
• Original Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC (Seagate Technology Holdings Plc)
• Inventors: Yoap, ChinSoon, Ting, KahHing, Gaw, ChaiHian, Teo, LipHong, Neo, YingLeong, Ng, HwaLiang
• Application Number:
  US10/758,643
• Publication Number:
  US 20050165748A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/24532 of parallel queries

Abstract

Method and apparatus for querying a computerized database, such as a distributed database associated with an automated manufacturing process and linked across a computer network. A query engine distributes a desired range of data values to be obtained from the database across a plurality of different query statements. The query statements are simultaneously executed to access the database and transfer associated data subsets into a memory space, after which the data sets are arranged to form the desired range of data values. Preferably, the query engine executes each query statement using a different login account. An auto-brake function is preferably employed to limit input/output (I/O) transfer time for each query statement. Analysis tools perform analysis such as logistic regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA) upon the retrieved data values.

Claims

1. A method for querying a computerized database, comprising:

distributing a desired range of data values to be obtained from the database across a plurality of different query statements;

simultaneously executing the plurality of query statements to access said database and transfer associated data subsets into a memory space; and

arranging the associated data subsets to form the desired range of data values.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the computerized database comprises a distributed database portions of which are stored in different locations linked by a computer network.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising exporting the desired range of data values obtained from the arranging step to a second memory space.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising using an analysis routine to analyze the desired range of data values.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one query statement retrieves data values from the database for a selected data field type, and wherein at least one other query statement retrieves data values from the data base for the selected data field type.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the desired range of data values comprises manufacturing data associated with manufacture of a population of products.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the products comprise data storage devices.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the simultaneously executing step comprises logging into a computer network associated with the database under a different login account for each query statement so that each query statement is simultaneously executed using the associated login account.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the simultaneously executing step further comprises initiating an auto-brake function that limits input/output transfer elapsed time by a server associated with the computer network and the database to a maximum value during execution of a selected one of the plurality of query statements.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the distributing, simultaneously executing and arranging steps are carried out on a repetitive, daily basis to obtain data relating to an ongoing manufacturing process.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the query engine extracts the desired range of data values on a repetitive, daily basis to obtain data relating to an ongoing manufacturing process.

11. A computer system, comprising:

a database stored in a first memory space and accessible by a computer; and

a query engine stored in a second memory space which, upon execution, distributes a desired range of data values to be obtained from the database across a plurality of different query statements, simultaneously executes the plurality of query statements to access the database and transfer associated data subsets into a third memory space, and arranges the associated data subsets to form the desired range of data values.

12. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the computer comprises a server computer, wherein the computer system further comprises a client computer associated with the server computer over a computer network, and wherein the client computer executes the query engine.

13. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the database comprises a distributed database so that the memory space comprises a plurality of different locations linked by a computer network.

14. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the query engine subsequently exports the desired range of data values to a fourth memory space.

15. The computer system of claim 11, further comprising an analysis routine which analyzes the desired range of data values.

16. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the desired range of data values comprises manufacturing data associated with manufacture of a population of products.

17. The computer system of claim 16, wherein the products comprise data storage devices.

18. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the simultaneously executing step comprises logging into a computer network associated with the database under a different login account for each query statement so that each query statement is simultaneously executed using the associated login account.

19. The computer system of claim 18, wherein the simultaneously executing step further comprises initiating an auto-brake function that limits input/output transfer elapsed time by a server associated with the computer network and the database to a maximum value during execution of a selected one of the plurality of query statements.