Semi-structured data retrieval method, and structured date retrieval device

A retrieval method performed by a retrieval device which retrieves from semi-structured data formed by item elements and value elements, the retrieval method comprising:

• creating aggregate structure information from the semi-structured data by aggregating a plurality of child item elements into one representative child item element, the plurality of child item elements that are aggregated share a same name and are directly connected to parent item elements sharing a same name;
• receiving a retrieval request with an output condition and a constraint condition specified on the aggregate structure information;
• computing branch point candidates based on a result of a check of the output condition and the constraint condition;
• determining a branch point from the branch point candidates;
• determining whether a plurality of queries are created according to the retrieval request by checking the branch point at common item elements associated with each of the output condition and the constraint condition in the aggregate structure information;
• re-aggregating the aggregate structure information based on the determined branch point;
• and
• outputting the re-aggregate structure information to a display device, the re-aggregate structure information corresponding to the plurality of queries and showing the branch point which is not expressed in the aggregate structure information.

A computer-readable storage medium storing a program to be executed by a computer to perform a retrieving process from semi-structured data formed by item elements and value elements, execution of the program by computer causes the computer to perform the retrieving process comprising:

• creating aggregate structure information from the semi-structured data by aggregating a plurality of child item elements into one representative child item element, the plurality of child item elements that are aggregated share a same name and are directly connected to parent item elements sharing a same name;
• receiving a retrieval request with an output condition and a constraint condition specified on the aggregate structure information;
• computing branch point candidates based on a result of a check of the output condition and the constraint condition;
• determining a branch point from the branch point candidates;
• determining whether a plurality of queries are created according to the retrieval request by checking the branch point at common item elements associated with each of the output condition and the constraint condition in the aggregate structure information;
• re-aggregating the aggregate structure information based on the determined branch point;
• and
• outputting the re-aggregate structure information to a display device, the re-aggregate structure information corresponding to the plurality of queries and showing the branch point which is not expressed in the aggregate structure information.

A retrieval method performed by a retrieval device which retrieves from semi-structured data formed by item elements and value elements, the retrieval method comprising:

• creating aggregate structure information from the semi-structured data by aggregating a plurality of child item elements into one representative child item element, the plurality of child item elements that are aggregated share a same name and are directly connected to parent item elements sharing a same name;
• receiving a retrieval request with an output condition and a constraint condition specified on the aggregate structure information;
• computing branch point candidates based on a result of a check of the output condition and the constraint condition;
• determining a branch point from the branch point candidates;
• determining whether a plurality of queries correspond to the retrieval request by checking the branch point;
• re-aggregating the aggregate structure information to illustrate that each of the plurality of queries correspond to the retrieval request;
• and
• outputting the re-aggregate structure information to a display device for selection of one of the plurality of queries.